June Book Sale A Success

Patrons found much to like at the Friends of the J.V. Fletcher Book Sale on Saturday, June 10, in the Meeting Room.

The sale, held three times a year, is a major fundraiser for the Friends. The thousands of gently used books, CDs, and DVDs available at the sale are donated throughout the year by residents of Westford and surrounding towns.

Geetanjali Yallapanthula of Westford, age 7, was there with her dad, Krishna Yallapanthula, and twin bother Arjun.“It’s great” Geetanjali said of the book sale, holding up a Brain Quest card deck. “I always get one of these. The one I got here last year is too easy now.” Geetanjali said she also likes books about drawing and “any kind of chapter books,” though some of her favorites are Judy Moody and Heidi Heckelbeck.

Twins Arjun and Geetanjali Yallapanthula, age 7, of Westford, enjoying the book sale with their dad, Krishna.

The total income from this three day sale, held June 9, 10 and 11, was around $13,000, according to Friends’ treasurer Sally Rosenthal. Rosenthal said that proceeds from the book sales — held in February, June and October — typically represent 35 percent of the Friends’ annual income. An additional 35 percent of the organization’s income usually comes from memberships, which are also driven by the book sale, since the first night is a “Members Only” preview. According to Rosenthal, many patrons join at the door so they can get early access to the large selection.

The event is popular with teachers, who appreciate the low prices and high quality materials. Becky Myerov, of Westford, was picking out items for her classroom at Mt. Calvary Christian Preschool in Acton. “This helps a lot” she said. “It’s a lot cheaper.” Another patron mentioned she was buying books for her English language learner students.

Mariah Kennedy, of North Andover, a third-grade teacher in Lowell, was shopping with a $50 voucher she received from the Books for Teachers program. This program, adminstered by the Friends and funded by a grant from the Renee B. Fisher Foundation, allows select teachers from Lowell to choose books and other media to share with children whose access to these materials may otherwise be limited.

The sale relies entirely on volunteers, who sort and set up all the donations. Jeda Gill Promlee, Katherine Tran, and Amaira Jain, all students at Westford Academy, were helping out on Saturday. They get recognition for the hours they put in, but they also said they were having fun. “People should buy books” Jain said. “They are very cheap. The prices are so good.”

Book Sale Chair Keirsten Seiger said about 80 volunteers are needed to set up and run the sale. Many of them have been participating for 15 years or more. “It is a knowledgeable and dedicated crew,” said Seiger.  “I appreciate everyone who gives up time to come help us.”

The next book sale will take place October 20, 21 and 22.

In the meantime, the Friends will gladly accept unwanted books, as well as audio and video materials in good condition. Residents can drop off donations in the collection bin to the left of the library’s rear entrance. If the library is open, donations can be left outside the door to the left once inside the building, on the ground floor.  Visit the Book Sales page for details about what items the Friends accept.