Book excerpt: Even a small public library can demand tremendous personal and material investments. In communities struggling to find the means to support a library, an institution started and staffed by volunteers inspired by a love for books and learning can be an ideal solution. However, the intricacies of such an undertaking may seem overwhelming. This work provides practical, tested advice on planning, developing, and maintaining the volunteer-based library. A valuable guide for any library that enlists volunteers in any capacity, the book includes worksheets, models, checklists, and a variety of anecdotes and examples illustrating the suggestions in action.