Wakefield Public Library's book sale continues today

By P.J. GLISSON

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Wakefield - Forecasts of a snowstorm slowed Friday traffic at a Wakefield Public Library book sale in the municipal building.

Nevertheless, Loraine Mussatti said the sale had attracted some brave souls, including one woman who bought a stack of Golden Books from the children's section.

Mussatti, supervising the sale Friday afternoon, said prices will drop even lower when the sale continues today from 8 a.m. to noon. She said buyers will be invited to fill a bag full of books and select other items for only $2.

Several long tables contain not only books of all genres, but also CDs, DVDs, videotapes and even cassette tapes. As an added bonus, a collection of chairs provide an additional showcase of small stuffed animals, many dressed in fanciful dresses, vests, hats and lace.

DVD movies include "Lonesome Dove," "American Wedding" and "The Johnny Carson Show." Priced at $1 each, the DVDs will not be eligible for the bag sale.

Still available on Friday was a coffee table book on the band U2, as well as a book titled "Gershwin in His Time," edited by Gregory R. Suriano.

Cookbooks ranged from Rachael Ray to Oprah, or from holiday cooking and baking to "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet."

An arts and crafts section had books on quilting, and on decorating for weddings or holidays. A stack of "Sew Beautiful" magazines also was available.

There were learning books such as "Mathemagic" by Raymond Blum or inspirational choices such as "Simple Abundance" by Sarah Ban Breathnach.

Among several titles relating to employment were "When Work Doesn't Work Anymore" by Elizabeth Perle McKenna and "Joy at Work" by Dennis W. Bakke.

Books on history, travel and romance rounded out the displays, along with Westerns and thrillers.

According to librarian Denise Engel, funds gained from the book sale will help with ongoing library programs such as an after-school program, a children's story hour, and a summer reading program.

Engel said the library was established in 1934, with its first home being in the former Memorial Building. She said it moved to the city hall in 1954 and to its current site at 401 Hancock St. in 1982.

In addition to multiple stacks of books for adults, the library also includes five computer stations and a colorful children's area, complete with games, puzzles, tiny tables and chairs, and plenty of kids' books within tot-size reach.