'Friends' Help Support the Library with Book Sale

It’s true – libraries have had a shaky time of it in Greater Boston the last couple years with budget cuts and a generally uncertain future.

But don’t be misled by that information. Perhaps more so than at any other time, libraries see increased traffic during periods of financial strife. As Friends of the South End Library (FOSEL) Advisory Board Officer Marleen Nienhuis points out, the library is something everyone can afford, making it an even more important facet of the city’s budget.

“There is something we call the ‘digital divide’,” Nienhuis explained. “For instance, if you don’t have the $50 or so a month for an internet connection at home, you have to come to the library for that service. You might think things like Kindle take people out of libraries, but in the end they drive traffic to us as well; not everyone wants to pay for the download every time. Plus, my sense is that there are still plenty of people out there that just like books. Particularly when we’re talking about buying second hand books, since that’s one of the cheapest forms of entertainment you can have.”

Nienhuis is referring in part to the FOSEL book sale coming up this Saturday, which is just one of many devices the library uses to subsist. For this particular sale, the South End branch is looking for a couple more volunteers, so if you’d like to participate, scroll down.

“This is pocket money for the library basically,” Nienhuis said, noting that this sort of casual book sale dates back to when the South End branch came to its current location in 1971, maybe even earlier. “It goes toward art supplies and refreshments for events, items for children’s activities… that sort of thing."

The books for these sales don’t come from the library’s collection, something commonly assumed. Rather, they’re donated by neighbors for other neighbors to purchase. And at fifty cents and a dollar, the price is right.

“The selection of books is surprisingly good,” Nienhuis said. “In the past we’ve had a difficult time keeping the best ones for the neighborhood folks because resale people and collectors come and skim the cream. People need to feel like they can come find some treasure… it needs to be a treasure hunt for everyone.”

The Friends of the South End Branch Library fundraising book sale is Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Library Park. Book donations are still being accepted and volunteers are needed the day of the sale. Stop by the library for more information or call (617) 536-8241 and speak with Anne Smart.