FROM THE JOHNSTON LIBRARY: ‘If you own it you can get spaghetti on it’

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For the week of Aug. 16-20, the library is making about twice as many books available for our ongoing book sale, as we roughly sort a generous supply of donated books, now buried in a heap of boxes taking up space in our meeting room.

There are more than the usual number of bestselling books in excellent condition, paperback literary classics, children's and coffee table books. 

Our library holds about 50,000 books, and is full. People want to read what's new. If a book is in good condition but sits unused, maybe it can speak to someone in a new home.  If you own it you can get spaghetti on it. Or fill the margins with your own thoughts.

In days past, book sales were big social events. The Friends of the Library put tables and tents outside during the weekend of the Apple Fest and other times in hopes that the cars coming up from the park would stop.

It was an extra opportunity for Friends to talk up plans to build the new library building, which is now in its eleventh year.  The Library got support and we got to know people.

That kind of event requires a lot of help. The ongoing sale has been an easier way to offer books every day, and it's appreciated. The prices are so low you can't call it a business. But it's still the Friends' major fundraiser, and has made many extra programs happen. And it puts more books in people’s hands.

When we can make thousands of books newly visible, it's exciting. If you're looking for a particular thing, you have to dig. But book sales can be a time for one of my favorite aspects of libraries. By accident you find something special to you.

Editor’s Note: Jon Anderson serves as the Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library Director. Watch for his column weekly in the Johnston Sun Rise.

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