Book Sale Fundraiser Kicks Off at Huntington Library

If you enjoy reading or helping the community, go no further than Huntington Public Library this week.

The Friends of Huntington Public Library will be sponsoring its second annual Book Sale Fundraiser through Sunday with volunteers collecting books of every variety and selling them to patrons in order to raise money for the library's "wish list."

"We have a lot of terrific people doing terrific things," said Fred Craden, a member of The Friends of Huntington Public Library. "We maintain a fund that is available to the library, and take care of any justifiable wish. We try to get as many people involved as possible."

Some of the wishes granted by the Friends include a love seat and book stands for the library's children's department, desk chairs for the conference room, and funding for plants and maintenance in the lobby.

Kathy Morgan, Friends of the Library's chairperson for the book sale, said the sale was successful enough last year that the group decided to broaden the event in both time and space.

"We accepted more books, which are donated mostly by people in community, are holding the event in a larger space, and lengthening it to a one-day preview and a five-day sale," Morgan said.

Morgan said The Friends of Huntington Public Library are hoping for a big turnout that will help their cause.

"We don't have enough money to do a really big thing … that's why we're raising money," Morgan said. "We're raising money for the entire library. Anything you do helps."

The book sale is run completely by volunteers, who have been collecting donations formally since July, Morgan explained. Those involved have spent a considerable amount of time organizing the tremendous assortment into different subject titles, so that browsers can easily find something to their liking, whether it be in children's, history, travel, religion or fiction book.

"There's something for everyone," said volunteer Pat Urban. 

There certainly are books available for any type of reader – and in addition, those not necessarily looking for a book can also browse through movies and music. 

The preview will be held on Tuesday until 9 p.m., when the best selection of books will be priced at $2 for hardcovers and $1 for paperbacks. During the regular sale, from Wednesday through Sunday, hardcovers will be $1 and paperbacks will be $.50.

"I want to compliment the volunteers for all their hard work," Craden said. "A phenomenal amount of people are helping. ... We hope patrons will think of the bigger cause and purchase some books during this week's sale."