Library Bookstore Raises Money for Programming
(Crystal Proxmire, Dec. 26, 2012)
The Friends of the Library Bookstore inside the Ferndale Public Library not just a place to get gently used books from multiple genres for prices that are typically just 50 cents to $2.
It’s also a funding mechanism for things like Ferndale Reads, Lego Days, Summer Reading Program and the Halloween Spooktacular.
The Friends of the Library is a nonprofit organization that operates the Bookstore and hosts other fundraisers to support Library programming. June Derin has been the Bookstore Committee Chair since 2011. Under her leadership the donations coming in have filled their bookstore and then some. They’ve even put a freeze on taking new donations until they can sell down some of their stock.
“We have classics, poetry, mystery, fiction, bio, history, sports, business, science and nature, politics, etc., and a section dear to my heart: ‘special interest.’ This would include GLBT, women’s’ issues, Afro-American fiction and issues, etc.,” Derin said. “Back shelves are bulging and the store is full. All books are donated or are supplied by library if they are no longer used.”
The bookstore is open anytime the library is open. If there is no one in the store, patrons can shop and pay at the Library’s circulation desk. It may seem dark, but don’t worry, motion-sensored lights will turn on for shoppers when they enter.
Often there will be a volunteer, like Derin, sitting at the desk, reading and waiting to help. There are over a dozen volunteers who work for 2 hour shifts at a time. They are always looking for more volunteers.
“I love books,” Derin said when asked about why she volunteers management of the store. “I love handling them, sorting donations, talking to customers. It gives me deep gratification to see the store well-stocked and orderly. I love seeing what comes in, never know. Although I must say sometimes they’re a little odd.” Sometimes people donate items the Bookstore can’t use, like out-dated books on politics or technology, VHS tapes (though they do take some CDs), and once someone even through in a pair of shoes!
It’s unclear how long the freeze on accepting new donations will be, but Derin and the rest of the volunteers hope that more people will take advantage of the good deals so that there can be more turnover on the shelves and more money coming in to support the educational events.
For more information on the Friends of the Library Bookstore, located inside the Ferndale Public Library, visit http://ferndalefriends.org/. There is even an online donation button for those who want to contribute but don’t want to buy books.