Sale touts books, bargains

Tough economic times have many people searching for ways to save money wherever they can.

Avid book readers looking to save a buck or two may want to head over to the Jackson County Public Library in Seymour on Feb. 7.

"You can save money here," Teddi Ashcraft said while taking a break from helping people pay for books they bought Saturday at the monthly Friends of the Library book sale.

The savings can vary, but a popular paperback that might cost $7.95 or more retail may be purchased for 50 cents during the sales, generally held on the first Saturday of each month in the basement of the library on West Second Street in Seymour.

Addison Lambert, 9, of Seymour was one of those shopping for deals Saturday morning.

"I found some good books," Lambert said. Her purchases included a book about the popular Powderpuff Girls cartoon series and a second entitled "Teachers Pet," which is a book from the Sweet Valley Twins. The Sweet Valley Twins ended several years ago, and Ashcraft said that's one of the types of books that can be found during the monthly sale.

"We have books that the library has withdrawn from circulation because they're not being checked out very much," said Ashcraft, who is an at-large member of the Friends' board of directors.

"Others have been damaged, and then a lot of people donate books," she said.

Some people buy books and bring them back after reading them so they can be resold again, Ashcraft said.

Friends of the Library has conducted book sales for more than 20 years.An eight-member board oversees the activities of 150 members and meets with library Director Julia Aker every two months.

"Julia tells us about requests from different departments at the library, and we try to help them," Ashcraft said.

The book sales, which include two expanded versions in May and November, provide most of the non-profit organization's funding. The funds are then used to enhance library programs.

In the past, the Friends have helped fund a puppet show for National Children's Book Week held in May and the annual Gingerbread Craft program. The organization also has given $2,550 to the library endowment with Community Foundation of Jackson County.

The organization also raises some money by selling parking spaces in the library parking lot during Oktoberfest each year.

Ashcraft said the organization is always looking for good book donations and new members to help with programs.

"We have some extremely dedicated volunteers to help with sorting books (for the monthly book sale)," Ashcraft said. Those volunteers spend two to five hours each week sorting books.

They also help maintain the organization's book nook, near the main entrance to the library.

Jan Morrison says she tries to hit the book sale every few months, not necessarily looking for bargains.

"I'm looking for mysteries," Morrison said. "I keep a list of everything I've read."

Lambert's grandmother, Audrey Hill of Seymour, brought her to Saturday's sale.

Hill said this was her first visit to the sale.

"I heard about it from a neighbor who brings her granddaughter here," Hill said. "We just came to get her (Lambert) something to read. There are a lot of good deals. I'm going to go tell my daughter about it."

Ashcraft said she's not sure if the economy has people shopping for bargains, but Saturday's crowd was more than normal.

"There was a big crowd here when I opened up today," she said. "I wondered if people might be looking for bargains."

Book Cellar sales dates

-- Feb. 7

-- March 7

-- April 4

-- May 1-3

-- June 6

-- July 11

-- Sept. 12

-- Oct. 10

-- Nov. 6-9

-- Dec. 5

(Doors open at 10 a.m. and close at 1 p.m. except for bigger book sales in May and November)