Public libraries are an essential resource for communities. They provide access to knowledge, information, educational programs and community events that are open to anyone in the area.
For these programs to take place, funding is needed. That’s where the Friends of the Cumberland County Public Library comes in.

The Friends of the Cumberland County Public Library, Inc. supports the library in fulfilling its literary, educational, technological, community and cultural purposes. The programming the Friends have helped support in the past include author visits, workshops and other events bringing together community members.

Upcoming events funded by the Friends include a writers workshop with Kianna Alexander on Aug. 19, LibrariCon on Sept. 16, and a local author showcase on Oct. 7.

“It’s vital to the continuing of the library even existing, I think,” said Marili Melchionne, the Friends of the Library Operations Manager.

“Programs draw people into the library, and we provide educational opportunities through a lot of the programs. The programs wouldn’t exist if we didn’t fund them, then people wouldn’t have those resources,” Melchionne said.

The goal for the book sale is $10,000; however Melchionne says that during the last book sale, over $11,000 was raised.

There are four book sales a year and when the sale isn’t happening, hundreds of hours are spent organizing the books. The entire operation is volunteer-based.
If you walked into the room on a non-sale day, you would think it was another room in the library. All the books are on shelves and are organized by genre. There are books displayed at the end of the shelves, and books look like they are in great condition.

The books are either donated to the Friends for these book sales, or are older books that the library needs to get rid of to make more space for newer books.
In the weeks before a sale, the room is packed with volunteers.

Kay Frazier, a retired elementary school librarian, was sorting through the children section, scanning each and every book. She was a librarian for 22 years and decided to spend her retirement around more books.

“I’m in my element and I love it. I would be here everyday if I could, but I can’t,” she laughs. “I like to get an accomplished feeling, and you aren’t on any structured schedule or anything like that.”

Even if you can’t volunteer, the Friends relies on memberships. At the moment, they have 459 members, and the funds raised from memberships are part of the funds that the Friends give to the library.
Members get early entrance to the book sales and also get first notice for any events coming up.

People can become a member by going to cumberlandcountylibraryfriends.com and clicking on “Join” but they need a Paypal account for the online payment. Individual dues are $15 a year.
People can also become members at any library branch before the sale.

Members of Friends of the Cumberland County Public Library will have access to the book sale on Monday, Aug. 21, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The book sale will then be open to the public from Friday, Aug. 25 to Sunday, Aug. 27.

The sale on Friday is 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday’s hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday’s hours are 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Hardbacks books will be $1. Paperbacks and CDs are $0.50. DVDs and audiobooks are $1. Magazines will be 12 for $1. There will also be bargain sales. These items will be available for a major discount, $0.25 each or five items for $1.

There are also specialty items available for sale including antique books, puzzles, and homeschooling curriculum. These items are individually priced.

There will also be mystery bundles sold for $2. These bundles of books will be wrapped up with a description of the genre of the books.

On Sunday, there will be a special sale where customers can get a grocery bag of books from the bargain room for $1.
Cash, credit cards and checks are accepted at the book sale.

“It’s not at all unusual for people to bring boxes ... bring wagons and buggies. We love it when they do it. If someone wants to come in, and load up, come on down,” Rudy Clark, one of the Book Sale Co-Chairs, said.

The sale will take place at the Main Branch of the Cumberland County Library at 300 Maiden Lane.
For any questions, visit cumberlandcountylibraryfriends.com or call 910-483-7727, extension 1304.