Things were hopping with a steady stream of patrons coming and going filling bags with books. Saturday, May 6, was the final day for Morgantown Village Library’s annual Spring Book Sale.
Outside in the library’s front garden, Kade Elliott shouted, “Good Morning,” while weeding. The Twin Valley High School student is a weekly volunteer and the library’s youngest board member.
Inside, Les Grove, new board member, sold big thirsty bags to eager patrons on the hunt for books, audio books, magazines, puzzles, DVDs and CDs.
An annual tradition, the final day of the sale the bag sale brings the people in.
“One woman bought 130 CDs for $13,” said Grove grinning as he manned the front desk.
Mary Ellen Mahan, former library board president, was helping people search through the rows and rows of boxes, “What is unique about this year’s sale is we had a huge donation of 800 cookbooks and a 10-year collection of cooking magazines, along with the largest selection of classics and local history. We are always looking for theme collections. Nancy Drew, The Hardy boys, Sherlock Holmes, Mark Twain and J.R.R. Tolkien are always big sellers.”
Mahan, whose term as library board chair is over, still volunteers and will continue her community service as the new president of the Twin Valley Rotary Club.
Lisa Betz the new chair as of January, said, “I am passionate about promoting the library and up for the challenge.”
The full parking lot and number of people spoke loudly to that passion.
“We are seeking to expand our pool of volunteers as we expand our projects,” she said. “Volunteers include those who have been supporting the library for years. Some help on a regular basis and some primarily help with book sales. Volunteers of all ages are vital to the library, and we are always happy for new folks to get involved. Working at the library is a terrific way to meet new people in the community.”
This year’s board members include many that are new are: Lisa Betz, Chair; Carol Donahue, Vice Chair; Les Groves, Secretary; Debbie Phillips, Treasurer; Jacob Stephens; Heidi Kurtz and Kade Elliott.
Carol Donahue and her children Tabitha and Sophia who are homeschooled, were front and center for the day as usual.
Tabitha was busy selling their homemade book marks, drinks and baked goods.
“Our main seller is dog bookmarks. We only have a few left, people look by breed, teenagers like Thor and The Avengers we sold out of them, but we still have some with Harry Potter and LEGO themes,” said Tabitha.
“We totally sold out of baked goods, but we still have popcorn,” said Sophia as she worked the popcorn machine.
It was a mixed crowd. “I’m looking for historic books,” said Joe Stabler of Elverson. “My wife Judy, she’s a reading addict, and I have a collection of books up to 4,000 at a time. I have been coming here for years.”
His special interest is local history. Throughout the year, he both donates and buys on a steady basis to keep his library fresh.
Sean Teaford, of Morgantown, a writer and researcher new to the area since 2015 said, “I find the book selection interesting as a member of The Gov. Joseph Hiester Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.” He and his wife Samantha left with a big bag of books.
The Wetzel family of Morgantown, Sue, Cayleigh, and Blake were rummaging through box after box looking for kids’ books, novels, historical fiction and medieval books. They are regulars and use the library’s website frequently.
“We saw the signs,” said Trish Daller. “We are from Coatesville and were camping at French Creek, I thought I would bring the kids over. I enjoy books it is easier to get books at the sale because I can take a while to read and don’t have to worry about getting them back on time.”
Lyn Miller, long-time volunteer for the library, was there as usual for the clean-up helping and passing the baton to a new generation.
Visit www.villagelibrary.org for hours and events.
Email surebetz@windstream.net if interested in volunteering.
