Springfield, MO – The Friends of the Library announced on Sunday, Sept. 15, that this year’s Fall Book Sale netted $216,956.70, breaking the Spring 2024 Book Sale record by close to $8,000. The Friends of the Library organization was founded to support the Springfield-Greene County Library District. The Friends sorted, inspected, boxed and unboxed five and a half tractor-trailers full of books for this sale.
Over the six days of the sale, thousands of buyers came to find their next read or to add to their collection. Many of the buyers are repeat customers who make the bi-annual sales their must-attend events. During the preview members-only sale on Tuesday evening, Sept. 10, hundreds lined up with their canvas bags, wagons and carts ready for the doors to open at 4 p.m. Some individuals even take vacation days to attend the sale.
Since 1985, the Friends of the Library Book Sales have raised in excess of $5.5 million. The book sales started in the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library parking lot and are now at the E*Plex at the Ozarks Empire Fairgrounds. Executive Director Ed Walton said, “Without the Friends of the Library and their tremendous support, our District would not be able to provide the exceptional programming and services that we do. Their hard work and dedication as volunteers go way beyond words.”
Proceeds from the bi-annual sale fund special adult programs, the Summer Reading program, Wee-Read, which gives out books through the Parents as Teachers Program and many other library necessities. The Friends of the Library recently made a generous $200,000 gift to the Library Center auditorium construction project.
The public can donate used items at any of the nine open library branches during business hours. If you have any questions about donating, call 417-616-0564 or email friends@thelibrary.org. The next sale will be from April 30 to May 4, 2025, at the E*Plex at the Ozarks Empire Fairgrounds.
For further information about the Springfield-Greene County Library District, contact Community Relations Director Vickie Hicks at 417-616-0654 or vickieh@thelibrary.org.