The Friends of the Jefferson Public Library has an answer for everyone who dreams about books, has a gift list to fill, read everything in the house during pandemic isolation, or just never seems to have enough books. The Friends cancelled the spring book sale, but the fall book sale has been re-imagined with Covid mitigation in mind.
Beginning Monday, Sept. 14, and every Monday and Wednesday in September, Friends members are invited to make a 30-minute appointment to shop between the hours of 2 and 6 pm. On Fridays in September, Friends members may browse the sale without appointments between 1 and 5 pm. Memberships will be available at the door. Masks will be required, and the number of patrons will be limited to six at a time. “We want to be sure everyone is safe and comfortable,” a book sale organizer said.
In October, the sale is open to everyone, members and non-members, during the same hours. Appointments are required on Mondays and Wednesdays, and Fridays are open to walk-ins.
The Friends currently are accepting donations of books, DVDs, music CDs, audio books, puzzles, and board games.
The sale will run for six weeks, and patrons will want to return again and again. Books, puzzles, and games will all be restocked often, and specials will be happening throughout the sale, as well. New items and deals will be posted at the library and on the Friends’ Facebook page. Patrons are also encouraged to provide their email address to library staff for notices about the book sale.
The Friends of the Library fall used book sale is the Friends’ only fundraiser this year. Membership levels begin at just $5 for individuals, and an entire family may purchase a membership and shop together for only $10. Membership can be renewed during the sale. Memberships go a long way to enable the Friends to fund events and needed equipment for the library. This year the Friends helped purchase eight new patron computers, the colorful new banners outside the building, support for the summer reading programs, and so much more.
“We know you will enjoy this casual, relaxing way to shop for all your favorite book sale items,” an organizer said. Members who want to schedule a shopping appointment can call the library at 515-386-2835.
