People lined up at the door for Village Library’s annual Fall Book Sale in Morgantown Oct. 12 to 14.
“It was packed… They lined up at the door until we opened and came with crates and plastic bins the first day,” said Lester Groves Library Board Treasurer. “It was wonderful.”
A tradition, the Village Library’s annual Fall Book Sale draws people from miles around for their vast selection of popular genres of books, magazines, books on tape, CDs and bake sale.
“It is our main fundraiser of the year. The entire board came out to help and meet the community this year. We were thrilled with such a large and varied turnout. We always appreciate everyone who support this vital function for our library. That includes the donors, the volunteers, and the buyers,” said Lisa Betz, President of the Library Board who worked sorting books, greeting customers, and packing up. “We donate what is left to non-profit organizations.”
Saturday’s Bag of Books Sale brought a steady stream of patrons on the final day. They could fill a large grocery bag for $5 or a larger bag for $7. And purchase handmade necklaces, bracelets, and book marks made by local children Jacob, Sophia, and Tabitha Donahue, as well as homemade baked good.
Carol Donahue, Library Vice President, was joined by her mother and father from New Jersey. Her father, Cleo McCall, is a retired land surveyor and an author who writes books about his childhood and his experiences as a land surveyor for Christ. His book explains his many perils and near-death experiences and how he came to know the Lord. His wife filled a bag with Christian books, non-fiction and crossword puzzle books.
Kara Stalter, a Reading specialist from Exeter, “Googled” and found the book sale online. She is a teacher at Gillingham Charter School in Pottsville and was so excited.
“I have over 100 books in my $7 bag that was donated by an educator. As a reading specialist I found picture books, chapter books. What a find, I can use these with my students, I even found books on tape that I can play in the car on my long commute, thanks to this terrific book sale.”
Kade Elliott, the youngest library board member, was helping people to their cars and hauling books for restocking along with his friend Eli Pieffer, a Twin Valley High School volunteer. Volunteers Victor Lawrence from Honey Brook and his friend Ed Renninger of East Earl were assisting with the heavy lifting.
Young patrons included 1 1/2-year-old Nora Essick with her mother Holly from State College; Jake Paynda, 7, with his dad Russ from Morgantown looking for fire truck and Bernstein Bears books; and Morgantown locals Sean Weinrich with his 7-year-old son Conner checking out with their large bag.
Morna Traffas from Wyomissing was hunting for mystery and Romance books, while Sharon Ricker from Elverson was looked for mystery books.
So, this mixed crowd from toddlers to seniors left with happy faces and the Library Board declared it a job well done and a best seller. The next day it starts all over with donations and inquiries for the Spring Book Sale.
Visit www.villagelibrary.org for hours and events. Email surebetz@windstream.net if interested in volunteering.
