The renovated Central Library at 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis.

Though Christmas is long gone, local freelance writer Cheryl Soden Moreland continues the spirit of giving by donating three books to the Special Collections Room of the renovated Central Library in downtown Indianapolis.

The room (on the sixth floor) houses books by Indiana authors or about Indiana life. Cheryl was disappointed that three books that are representative of the Hoosier experience were not included, so she purchased them and donated them. The titles are "Falling Toward Grace: Images of Religion and Culture From the Heartland," "Urban Tapestry: Indianapolis Stories," and Dan Carpenter's "Hard Pieces."

These books, in pristine condition, will be placed in the locked section within the overall Special Collections Room, a secure space to preserve the permanent collection of revered documents and publications (such as works from Kurt Vonnegut or James Whitcomb Riley). Works in this section can be viewed only by arrangement with Chris Marshall or his staff.

Cheryl is planning to purchase additional copies for the patrons' section of the Special Collections Room, which, unlike the locked materials, would be available to the public without special arrangement.

She is trying to contact each writer who contributed in the above publications: She said, "I shared with Chris that I thought these gifts would be even more valuable to the library, its history, and its patrons if each author autographed their respective essays and photographs in each publication. He thought that was a wonderful idea and has suggested that if you would like to do so (hopefully!), contact him or another associate upon visiting the sixth floor, and they will ensure that you get to add your name to your contributions. You are welcome to sign your works located in both the locked and open areas of the Special Collections Room, as the books become available."

Cheryl says she hopes her actions inspire others to donate works to the library.

(Note: I don't know the donation policies or the needs of the Indiana State Library or the Indiana Historical Society, but please check these places as worthy recipients, too.)