Bryan Scott, Staff Writer

 The Appalachian State University football team won't simply thrill the crowd this season--their efforts will also contribute to a stronger university library.
 
 Hampton Inn will donate $20 to Belk Library for every point scored in the six home football games this season, said Michael Heeden, Hampton Inn general manager.

 This is the program's second year.  Hampton Inn gave $15 to the library for every point scored during the 1996 season, resulting in a total contribution of $1,500 for 100 points scored, said Heeden.

 The pledge amount rose by $5 this season.  "We were so pleased with the results of the project last year that we wanted to increase our per-point contribution," said Heeden.

 At $20 per point, touchdowns are worth $120 and field goals $60, Heeden said. Hampton Inn will contribute up to $2,000 to the library.

 Heeden, an Appalachian alumnus and former Mountaineer football player, said the program is a way for Hampton Inn to contribute to the university.
 
 Many Hampton Inn employees at the hotel are Appalachian students, and university-sponsored events bring in a lot of guests, he said.

 Winston Hospitality, the company that owns the Hampton Inn chain,  allows its 35 hotels to donate money to different local organizations, said Heeden.

 "It's a win-win situation," said Heeden.

 The money earned through the program will be used to purchase more books for Belk Library.  The program should benefit both the library and the students, said Heeden.

 Hampton Inn plans to continue the Points for Books program. Heeden said he would like to see the program developed with other university sports.

 At present, the hotel is trying to work with the university to develop some type of scholarship program as well.

 The Points for Books program will begin with the Appalachian-Eastern Kentucky game Sept. 20.  It will end with a presentation during half-time of the last home game Nov. 22.

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