Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale Sets New Record
October 21, 2019 — The Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale broke an all-time record with sales of $159,491.50 from Oct. 15-20 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E*Plex.
The Friends set the previous record at the fall 2018 sale with $154,300.20.
"That is so amazing I don't even know what to say," said Friends Treasurer Joyce Kastler. She and Friends board members credited the generous book donors, Friends members and volunteers who worked the sale, and especially the shoppers who pushed the sale to a new record.
“The definition of "WOW" is $159,491.50 which smashes our previous record sale numbers,” said Friends President Bill Kastler. “A dedicated group of over 400 volunteers deserve a round of applause. Also, many thanks to those who donate books for the sale as well as the customers, who come from near and far, to shop at the Friends' sale. The results would not be possible without the support of all of these individuals.”
The sale got off to a strong start with the annual Friends Night Preview Sale, a three-hour sales preview that hit a Friends Night record; and hit sales records the two following nights.
Since the first book sale in 1985, the Friends have raised more than $3 million to benefit the Library. Proceeds from the Friends spring and fall sales help pay for extras that Springfield-Greene County Library patrons enjoy, including free monthly concerts; capital projects such as the 24-hour book kiosk and Mobile Library bookmobile; the Library Express West in west Springfield; Summer Reading Program performers; and major author events including the upcoming May 1, 2020 free event with author David Sedaris at the historic Gillioz Theatre.
The books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks and vinyl records sold at the Friends' event are donated through the year by the public and weeded from library collections. The public is welcome to donate books and other materials for the sale to any of the 10 library branches in Greene County during library hours.
The Friends' spring book sale is scheduled for April 29-May 3, 2020.