Friends of the Library offer spring book fair to raise money for Carnegie

IRONWOOD - Friends of the Library hosted its annual spring book fair at the Ironwood Memorial Building on Saturday to offer bookworms great deals on used books and raise money for the Ironwood Carnegie Library.

"People donate books from the community, and then they come and buy books," said Gayle True, a member of Friends of the Library. "It's just like a big old recycling of books."

True said the Friends have been hosting the book fair for many years.

"It seems to be real popular and people enjoy it," she said. "It's a good bargain and books are in good shape.

The group also hosts a fall book fair in October when "people like to stock up for winter," True said. But the spring sale also attracts people.

"They're both real successful, and that's because the community supports us," she said. "It's really nice."

The funds resulting from the book fair will go to help with the library's activities or needed materials, or to purchase more books for its shelves.

There are a few perks that come with being a part of Friends of the Library, said member Carole Casey.

"If you're a friend you can shop the first day," she said.

Friends get first peek at the fair and can purchase books the day before the fair opens to the public, which can draw a crowd.

"When we first opened this morning, I counted 50 at one time," Casey said. "But it changes all the time. It's been pretty steady."

Casey used to live in Ironwood, but she currently lives in Minnesota. And she came back to help with the fair.

It costs $10 per person each year to be a member of Friends of the Library, or $20 for a family. Anyone can sign up, and you don't need to live in the area.

For more information visit, joomla.uproc.lib.mi.us/Ironwood.