[2020·É½¶«Ê¡¡¢ºþ±±Ê¡²¿·ÖÖصãÖÐѧÁª¿¼]Public libraries are an excellent resource for research, literacy(¶ÁдÄÜÁ¦) education, and reading­centered events. Most towns have one or share library services with other towns through a mobile library, and the use of a public library is free to people who are willing to apply for a library card.

  There are several primary sources of library funding(×ʽð), starting with national funds which are distributed to states or provinces. These regions send the funds on to public libraries. Local governments also play an important role in providing funding for libraries, and most librarians apply for grants(²¦¿î). Finally, private donations help to maintain libraries — most libraries have an association of Friends of the Library which organizes fund­raising sales and pays annual dues(»á·Ñ) to help maintain the library.

     Grants and private donations can also be used to provide a large amount of funding for public libraries, and some large libraries maintain a separate staff member to increase the amount of funding that they can obtain through these sources. Grants include technology grants which allow libraries to install and upgrade computer systems, grants which focus on a particular topic such as science, fiction, children's books, or local history, and education grants which support locally­based community efforts such as after­school reading programs. Many private donors are pleased to support their local public libraries by donating funds or including some library in their wills, and libraries reward their donors with treats like after­hours visits or privileged access to special collections.

   By combining multiple resources, creative librarians can keep their libraries useful, informative, and fun for browsers. When it comes to supporting public libraries, every little bit counts: if you cannot afford to donate to a local library, think about volunteering time to help shelve books, lead after­school programs, or organize fund­raisers. Being active with your public library is a very important way to contribute to your local community.

1£®How many main sources of library funding are mentioned?

A£®Two.    B£®Three.

C£®Four.     D£®Five.

2£®How is the funding made use of according to the text?

A£®By exploring more about history.

B£®By developing a scientific computer system.

C£®By holding after­school activities for students.

D£®By enriching special collections for the donors.

3£®What does the underlined word “browsers” refer to in the last paragraph?

A£®Viewers in the library.

B£®Programs used to view documents.

C£®People running the library.

D£®Donors visiting the library regularly.

4£®What is the purpose of the text?

A£®To stress the value of public libraries.

B£®To appeal for donation to local libraries.

C£®To introduce sources of public library funding.

D£®To show the procedure of funding libraries.