It has been a year in the making, but Fresno State’s College Republicans have made a significant donation to the Henry Madden Library.

Last academic year, before he graduated, previous club president Daniel Harrison began collecting books with a right-wing political theme. He filled one large cardboard box. His peers, who have continued the book drive, collected four more boxes, as well as two brown paper grocery bags.

The books were donated by several Central Valley conservative political organizations.

On Wednesday morning, five College Republicans members delivered the books to the library. They took the books to the back of the library where they were left in the care of Thomas Ebert, a volunteer librarian.

Ebert was very glad to collect the donation. He said donations like that of College Republicans’ supplement the collection.

“In addition to the state funds, which we may or may not have in any given year, we get a lot of books donated every year that make a difference,” he said. “They fill in the gaps in the collection.”

Ebert, however, has an unusual connection to Fresno State. He began as a librarian at the university in 1970. After that, he took on the job of vice president for academic personnel.

Three weeks ago, the club contacted Ebert to tell him of the donation.

“The library was really helpful,” said Simren Gill, the College Republicans communication director.

The books collected by the club will each feature a bookplate stating its donation on behalf of the Fresno State College Republicans.

Club treasurer Kate Kearney, who has been a member for a year and half, said the organization is expecting more books, thus they will be able to add continuously to the collection.

Gill explained that any books that are duplicates of the library’s existing collection would be donated to Reedley College’s library.

Ebert said this donation partnership between Fresno State and Reedley College has helped improve the community college’s library, and thus the education of the students.

For Ebert, that the books came from a political organization and carry a particular theme is no issue. If, he said, a university democrat club donated books, they would also be gratefully accepted.

“Libraries, like universities, are about ideas,” Ebert said.

To have ideas, Ebert explained, one must look at all sides of an issue.

Several club members made books suggestions.

Claire Hinkle, club president, suggested Michael Reagan’s book “The New Reagan Revolution.” Moses Menchaca, vice president, suggested “Liberty and Tyranny” by attorney and radio pundit Mark Levin.

Finacial director Tyler Wilson said the political biographies are very helpful in understanding Republicans’ point of view.