Friends of the Library Cancels Spring Book Sale; Fall Sale Moved to Sept. 16-20
Due to health concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, the Friends of the Library Board of Directors has canceled its popular Spring Book Sale planned at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E*Plex. The sale had already been moved from late April to late May due to virus concerns.
The Friends’ Fall Book Sale dates have also changed. The sale will run from Wednesday, Sept. 16 to Sunday, Sept. 20, with the Friends Night Preview Sale Tuesday, Sept. 15 at the E*Plex, said Friends President Bill Kastler.
Cancellation of the spring sale is expected to have an impact on money available for Library extras. While Greene County property tax accounts for about 87% of the Springfield-Greene County Libraries’ annual budget, the Friends’ spring and fall book sale proceeds provide critical funding for the libraries’ needs and upgrades. The spring 2018 and fall 2019 book sales grossed $302,656.90. During that period, the Friends provided $181,226.59 in gifts and grants for library projects.
In recent years, the Friends funded most of the 24-hour Library Express West kiosk, a series of welcome videos for the area’s refugees and immigrants, national author visits, Summer Reading Program performances and concerts.
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