Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Book Sales
The Fourth of July Book Sale Has Come a Long Way in 53 Years
The Friends of the Cascade Library’s annual Fourth of July book sale has remained an important staple in the community’s holiday diet since 1973 when a pioneering group of volunteers decided that a book sale might be a good way to raise money for the library.
It was just seven months after the fledgling group held its first board meeting. And, that initial sale contributed an eye-popping $557.30 to the Friends’ coffers and gave birth to an annual tradition that is almost akin to turkey at Thanksgiving for some families.
“The sale was deemed so successful,” recalled Past Friends President Debbie Straub, “that the board decided we should do it annually. We’ve come a long way since then, haven’t we?”
Attendance and revenues continued to grow throughout the next few decades, with annual sales from the event reaching near $20,000 at its peak. While some of that revenue has been diverted into other outlets for the sale of books—additional book sale events, the Chapter Two Bookstore, and online sales—none of the enthusiasm for the Fourth of July sale has waned.
This year’s event will kick off from 2-5 pm on July 3 with the “Members’ Only” presale in the library’s Wisner Center. “This early bird sale is one way we say ‘thanks’ to members who have provided financial support for the library through the Friends,” explained Joe David, Cascade Friends president. “If you don’t have an active membership, you can purchase one for as little as $5 at the door.”
The main event for everyone will run from 8 am to 2 pm on the 4th this year, which is an hour shorter than last year to reflect changes in scheduling of other holiday events by Cascade Township.
“We usually have close to 20,000 books on display over the course of the two-day event,” according to Kathy Sullivan, Book Sale Events Chair. “This year we will be offering a $10 bag sale right from the outset. And, you can put both adult and children’s books and most media in the same bag.”
Books for Sale Inside and Outside the Library
David also wanted to ensure that patrons remember that there are probably more books for sale inside the Wisner Center than outside on the Fourth. “Some people don’t realize that and have expressed disappointment in recent years, thinking the selection of books was more limited than in the past,” he said. “But, if they just go inside, where it’s much cooler, they’ll find out that isn’t the case.”
Once the sun sets on the 4th of July sale, remaining books will be moved into the Wisner Center, where there will be a two-day “Donation Sale” on July 6 and 7. “It’s a self-service sale,” explained Sullivan. “Just gather the books you want, stop by the front desk, and make a donation to the Friends.”
There aren’t likely many days remaining between the time you read this and the beginning of the sale. But, volunteers are always needed and appreciated. If you’re interested in donating a couple hours to help make the sale a success, please check out the article on volunteering in this issue of the newsletter or click here to let us know you're interested.
If you’re going to be out of town and are unable to attend the sale on the Fourth, you’ll have another opportunity to stock up on books at the next Friends book sale on September 19 and 20.
