Bring on the books
A couple of months ago, I wrote an article about the Friends of the Madera County Library, and about the benefits of using our library system. Libraries are important institutions in our society, and they provide quite a number of avenues for learning.
I thought I would follow up with you on that last article — for two reasons. I want to remind you that if you still do not have a library card, get one! It’s an easy thing to do. The second reason is that I promised to let you know when our next big book sale would be. The Friends had decided that as soon as the library’s renovation was completed, we would have a big sale of books in the Galloway Room. So, the inside of the library has been painted and new carpet installed. A new circulation desk has replaced the old one, and the children’s section has been completely redone. The library has a new look, fresh and clean.
During the few months of the library’s renovation, the inventory of books were packed in boxes and stored at The Madera Tribune, and also at several of the Friends’ homes. The inventory continued to grow, and two weeks ago, our guys at the Tribune transported five pallets of boxed books back to the library so that the Friends could have their big sale.
I spent some time this week in the Galloway Room helping to sort and arrange books. Chuck Doud went with me, as he is also one of the Friends. Francine Mejia and Lynda Schafhauser were busy sorting the many books while we helped. There are A LOT OF BOOKS there. Whew!
The sale of books is just one of the many ways the Friends raise money for the library. The library is always in need of support. During the year, the Friends have book sales, events, and other fundraisers to help the library. There is also a program to get library cards in the hands of more people. The efforts of the Friends group is not only to raise funds, but also to raise awareness about the library and to promote literacy.
Because the organization is a 501(c)(3), any donations the Friends receive are tax deductible. Inside the library in Madera is a wall that displays a large tree. The leaves of the tree represent large donations made to the Friends group to support their efforts. These donations, plus the smaller donations from members and others, have helped to fund the Summer Reading Program, the California History Room, Movie Nights, book purchases for the library, furniture, and many other programs and events. It is the Friends who invite local authors to the library for “Local Authors’ Day” so the community can meet the authors from our area.
When the library was renovated, the Friends of the Madera County Library purchased the new furniture that you will see in the new Young Adult section.
The book sale will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturdayin the Galloway Room at the library, 121 North G Street, Madera, CA. This sale is open to the general public. However, if you are a member of the Friends of the Madera County Library, there is a special sale on Friday night from 6 to 8 p.m. (Memberships may be purchased at the door.) Here are the prices per year for a membership. Individuals $10, Family (up to 4) $20, Student (with ID) $5, Senior (55+) $5.
Most of the books are sold by donation only. Only a few that are priced, such as collections or rare books.
Please join me in supporting our local library. If you are interested in any additional information, don’t hesitate to contact me or any of the Friends.
I love to read. Don’t you?
See you at the book sale this weekend.
— My love to all,
Nancy
• • •
“A friend loves at all times.”
— Proverbs 17:17
