Entering the doors of the Barrington Library is like receiving a “magic pass to another world. Our library is a caring environment filled with endless possibilities to enjoy.”
BY MERLE “MAGI” GREEN, MEMBERSHIP CHAIR
The Friends of the Barrington Library Summer Book Sale was held July 11-14, 2024. A diverse array of volunteers ensured there was something for everyone. These book sales begin with the readers, the community members, and friends who donate all the books that they have read. Our book sales fund over 85% of the Barrington Library programs.
I witnessed so many amazing stories as people laid out their armloads of precious finds for pricing.
“This was amazing,” she said. “We are going to Paris for the Olympics. Just look at everything we have found. Here is a French/American dictionary and a travel book that will show us where to eat and places to go. The children found their own personal reading materials for the trip! We thank all of you for sponsoring this event.”
“Could you do me a favor? I just found a book that a customer was searching for, but she has left. May I buy it, and you can give it to her, I have her name. We just met here, and she was sad she could not find it.”
One patron created a wedding gift for a friend who loves to read. “I started with a Friends of the Barrington Library book bag. I filled it with your gift certificates, playing cards, a bookmark, AND books. My friend loved it!”
“I am the illustrator of many children’s books, could you show me where the books for children are?” The happy ending to this story is he found and purchased two books he had illustrated!
“We are visiting from the United Kingdom and are in ‘our glory.” There is nothing like this in England.”
A mature gentleman came to the desk, his arms filled with old record albums. He was grinning. He shared that he is now a widower, and finding these old albums he used to share with his late wife will bring back joyful memories.
The teacher had boxes of books; she was so excited. I have enough to fill two classrooms for the children at my school. So many of these students do not have books of their own.”
A child, with his mother, approached me with an armful of books. When I asked his favorite, he said, “God’s Book, the Bible is always the best book.” Among the treasures he found was a children’s Bible.
“I hope I don’t bump into my boss. I took the day off to be here for the best selections.” She bought fifteen books.
Arms filled with old music books, I asked, “Do you play?”
“Oh, no! I’m an artist. I cut them out and use the music to make collages.”
Another patron purchased sheet music to photocopy and make needlepoint pillows.
Grandparents everywhere, their arms and bags filled with books.
Some had children with them. The children were so excited it was hard to get them to hand us the books for pricing. They were holding on so tight!
Again and again, our customers thanked us for all we did and remarked how beautifully clean all the books were. “The level of diligence does not go unappreciated,” one said. “It is a pleasure to be able to come to the Friends of the Barrington Library sales. We always take advantage of the Daily Sale and the two Big Sales!”
Four wonderful days and “this piece of paradise” belonged to the world. Yes, patrons left with a bountiful selection of reading materials, met old friends, and made some new acquaintances. We all had something in common, no matter what our color, religion, political viewpoint, or any other preferences that make us all “special.” We love to read; that broadens our world and helps us remember; the Barrington Library gives us free access to empowering, life-enriching knowledge. We are grateful.
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