First there was Save the Rails to generate support for Amtrak. Now Carbondale has Book Bucks to generate support for the Carbondale Public Library.

Greg Brown, of Makanda, thought if everyone in Carbondale gave the library a two-dollar bill, the library would have the funds it requested from the Carbondale City Council Feb. 6. Then Brown started Book Bucks, which encourages people to donate a two-dollar bill to the library.

The library requested $58,000 from the city, in addition to its 1997 fiscal year budget. The library officials said if they did not receive the funds, the library would have to cut services and jobs. The City Council turned down the request because of uncertainty in the funding that may be required for the Carbondale Amtrak route.

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Brown said he does not want to get in the middle of a disagreement between the city and the library. He said he just wants to help the library.

When I heard that the library may have to cut jobs and services, I thought it was time to help, Brown said.

Brown said he will have fliers printed for Book Bucks and distribute them to local businesses to place in their windows.

Brown is a real-estate agent with Century 21, 1400 W. Main. He said for every house he sells, he will donate $21 to the library. He said he is going to encourage other agents to do the same.

Connie Steudel, Carbondale Public Library director, said the public has turned out to support the library. She said the library has had more than $500 in donations from patrons.