Duane Hicks
Got books?
The “Friends of the Library” will hold its annual book sale next Saturday (May 31) from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre.
But you can’t have a book sale without books—and that’s where the public comes in.
“We really are depending on the books from the public; more this year than ever because the library last year really went through their books and culled them out,” said “Friends” president Cathy Robinson.
“So we don’t have as many from the library.”
She added that in order to “have a good sale,” the public’s book donations are necessary.
The public is urged to drop donations off at the library starting next week.
As long as they’re in good condition, organizers are welcoming all sorts of books as donations, except encyclopedias.
“Everybody has different tastes in books,” noted Robinson.
“Whatever people have, we’re happy to take.”
While those book-lovers who come out next Saturday will get first crack at the selection, Robinson noted whatever books aren’t sold that day will remain available until probably the following Thursday (June 5).
One change to next Saturday’s sale is that organizers won’t be pricing books.
Instead, they’ll be asking the public to make donations for the one they pick out.
“We trust that they will be generous so that we can continue doing what we’re doing,” Robinson said.
“With the cutbacks at the library, the funds that the ‘Friends’ raise is needed more than ever now,” she stressed.
Last year’s book sale raised $1,400.
“We do quite well,” said Robinson, explaining the sale, along with the “Friends” Valentine’s Day bake sale, is the group’s major fundraiser each year.
She noted that “Friends” supports a number of library programs, ranging from the very popular “Teddy Bear Picnic” (which is coming up June 27) to the “Forest of Reading” program which is going on right now.
They also sponsor guest authors, performances by the Rainy Lake Orchestra, and pretty much “anything that enhances the library,” she added.
Robinson also said the “Friends of the Library” is welcoming new members all the time.
“We had a membership drive, we got a few new people interested, but we are always looking for new members,” she remarked.
The “Friends” meet the third Thursday of the month at 2 p.m. at the library.
Those interested in becoming a member also can pick up a brochure at the library check-out desk.
These contain information, including phone numbers to call.
