Bring on the books
Friends of the Library book sale is on at Kendall Young
Some pretty unusual books — hardbacks from the 1930s and earlier — can be found at the Kendall Young Library’s semi-annual Friends of the Library Book Sale.
“They don’t make them like this anymore,” said Mike Smith, a member of the Friends group, as he held up a book from 1936 with a detailed raised cover.
Twice a year the book sale offers shoppers a wide variety — historic hardbacks, paperbacks from last year, books about sciences and the natural world, thrillers and mysteries.
“There’s always some interesting titles,” said Linda Moenck, a Friends of the Library volunteer in charge of the sale this year.
As always, putting out hundreds of books throughout the library’s basement takes many hands.
“It takes a lot of volunteers,” Moenck said. “Starting Tuesday night we had probably 11 people carrying in tables, and all the books. And then yesterday sorting the books.
“It’s a big deal, but it’s a well-oiled machine anymore.”
Volunteers also sort the books throughout the year, as donations continually come in.
The books that will end up for sale are those that are in good condition — occasionally the donations are not suitable.
“We love donations, we do not love the moldy, smelly books,” she said.
Thursday was a chance for the Friends themselves to have the first pick of the books offered — but anyone stopping by could get a new membership or renew at the checkout desk.
“It’s $5 for a year,” Moenck said. “Or $50 for a lifetime membership.”
Today the sale is open to anyone from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday it’s open 10 a.m. to noon, when shoppers can fill a box or bag of books for a free-will donation.
The book sale is important for the library.
“It brings in around $2,500 twice a year,” she said. “It funds a lot of the activities and programs, for kids and adults alike.”