Duane Hicks
Don’t have much planned this weekend?
Why not take a few minutes to round up some of those books you haven’t read in a while and donate them to a good cause?
The “Friends of the Library” will hold its annual book sale next Saturday (May 30) from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Fort Frances Public Library.
The public is being urged to drop donations off at the library right now.
“We do need books this year,” said “Friends” president Cathy Robinson.
“We don’t have that many that have come in so far.
“We’d really appreciate people going through their stuff,” she added.
“Any donations can be dropped off anytime now.”
As long as they’re in good condition, organizers are welcoming all sorts of books as donations, except encyclopedias.
Of course, donated books also need book-lovers to buy them.
As such, Robinson is urging everyone to drop by next Saturday to buy their “summer reading.”
Books won’t be individually priced, she noted.
Instead, people can make donations for whatever books they pick out.
While those who come out next Saturday will get first crack at the selection, whatever books aren’t sold that day will remain available until probably the following Thursday (June 4).
The book sale, along with its annual Valentine’s Day bake sale, is the group’s major fundraiser each year.
The money raised is used to enhance library programming and provide “extras” that the library’s annual budget does not allow.
“Friends” supports a number of children’s library programs, sponsor guest authors and performances by musicians, and provide refreshments for all sorts of events, including the always-popular “Teddy Bear Picnic” set for June 27.
“When you walk into the library, there’s a warm, inviting feeling that comes from the wonderful staff, as well as the patrons,” noted Robinson.
“There’s always people standing around, visiting,” she added.
“It’s just a really nice place to congregate.”
The library also provides a wide variety of programs and services.
“I think a lot of people don’t really realize everything the library does provide,” Robinson said.
“They’re quite surprised once they go there and start investigating.
“Yesterday I was in there and there was a woman in there that didn’t realize until a friend told her that she could come in and get some help with her iPad,” Robinson recounted.
“It really is a full-service library,” she stressed. “And they’re always coming up with new ideas, like the seed lending library.
“It’s just a great place, and this book sale will help ensure it will continue to be the hub of the community into the future,” she reasoned.
The “Friends of the Library,” meanwhile, always is welcoming new members, and has gotten a few new ones in recent months.
They meet on the third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. at the library.
Those interested in becoming a member also can pick up a brochure at the library check-out desk.
