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Used book sale to benefit library scheduled

Submitted photo David Nollenberger, library volunteer, and Laura Hill, Bookhounds vice president, prepare for the used book sale set for July 23-24.

ELKINS — The Elkins Bookhounds, Friends of the Library group, will hold a used book sale on Friday, July 23 and Saturday, July 24 at the Elkins-Randolph County YMCA at 400 Davis Avenue.

Hours for the sale are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday. Generous donations are appreciated in exchange for selected books, and will benefit the Elkins-Randolph County Library.

The book sales have been a much anticipated bi-annual event for this organization that works hard to supplement the library budget to cover the costs of new materials, programs and improvements.

Julia Cassells, president of the Bookhounds,is pleased about the event, saying, “The Used Book Sale is an adventure we look forward to every year. Finding new treasures and spending time with Friends. We always find something exciting to read and usually manage to make a few new friends too.”

Naomi Cassells, member, agrees, saying, “It is fun to get together with friends, find new books and help the community support the library.”

Gently used books from group members and the general public have been pouring into the library.

Heidi Jeffries, a member of the group, reflected, “We haven’t hosted a sale since the fall of 2019. People spent a lot of time cooped up at home, so they were reading. It’s been over a year since the library has been able to accept donations of books due to pandemic precautions, so people have been saving books for us and are happy to bring them in at last! There should be an amazing selection, something for everyone.

“Generally the sale has been held in the library basement space, but due to the relocation and remodeling of the children’s section, space wasn’t available. We are so very grateful that the YMCA, just next door, has donated space to us,” Jeffries said.

One of the benefits of becoming a member of the FOL group is that those with active membership may assist in setting up the sale on Thursday evening from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Carrying boxes, unpacking and arranging the books is hard work, with the privilege of the first look and choice of available reading material. Those who wish to participate with set-up may pick up the FOL membership form in advance at the library.

Karen Seel, group secretary, is another enthusiastic member, noting, “I love being a member of the Friends of the Library because it promotes literacy and reading in the community by fundraising and volunteering for library needs.” Cindy Golsten, Bookhounds treasurer, reported, “Since the group’s start in 2017, over $22,177 has been raised through fundraising events, memberships, and donations.”

Laura Hill, Vice President and Membership Coordinator shared her view of this event, saying, ” I like getting together with others who are passionate about books, life-long learning, and helping our library and community grow. All of that comes full circle during our book sales due to the generosity of numerous volunteers making it happen, the generosity of many people donating and purchasing books, and that generosity ultimately being passed along to fulfill library wish lists.”

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