On the Same Page: Friends of the Library Book Sale is next week

Next week, while you are enjoying the community wide garage sales in Reedsburg, don’t forget to visit the library to find bargains at the Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale.

Once again, the Friends book sale will be held in the library’s Community Room during library open hours from Thursday, May 16, through Sunday, May 19. On offer at this spring’s sale are several new donations received from generous library supporters, as well as items that have been withdrawn from the library’s collection due to being worn or dated. Items are not individually priced, but can be “purchased” with a free will donation to the Friends group. To get a first chance at these library bargains, become a member of the Reedsburg Public Library Friends organization. With the purchase of a Friends membership (an individual annual membership is just $10) you are able to visit the Book Sale Preview night on Wednesday, May 15, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Aside from a book sale purchase, there are many ways to help the Friends group! Volunteers are needed to help set up the book sale from Monday, May 13, through Wednesday, May 15. Room monitors and cashiers are also needed through the weekend. Throughout the year, the Friends group also prepares for the sale by removing barcodes from withdrawn books and labeling and boxing donations. If you would like to help out, call the library at 608-768-7323. The Friends are also accepting gently used books for the sale starting on Monday, May 13. Unfortunately, we cannot accept National Geographic magazines, textbooks or encyclopedia sets.

Friends of the Library funds help to supply those little extras for Reedsburg Public Library not provided for in the library’s regular budget. In the past this has meant a new projection system and blinds for our Community Room, additional titles for our Large Print Collection, and new rocking chairs for the main reading area.

This spring’s Friends book sale proceeds may go toward a permanent Storywalk in a local park. Storywalk was originally created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. In the past, Reedsburg Public Library has hosted seasonal Storywalks at both Harvest and Wellness parks. A Storywalk presents a picture book in a series of panels along a path in a natural setting, encouraging both early literacy skills and exercise. The permanent story walk would consist of sturdy sign holders that could be replaced by various picture book panels throughout the year.

If you have questions about the upcoming book sale or any library program or service, call the library at 608-768-READ (7323) or email info@reedsburglibrary.org.