The Lake County Library had a larger usual crowd of patrons visiting, and they weren’t there to just borrow books.
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Its popular Annual Book Sale, sponsored by the Friends of the Library, welcomed hundreds of shoppers looking for bargains.
“This popular sale has been offered for more than three decades,” said the library’s marketing manager Jennifer Burniston. “We’ve always had a huge turnout. People appreciate that we have great books at great prices.”
In addition to the library’s regular book sale room located on the first floor, this year’s sale was held in a spacious meeting room on the lower level of the building.
Gloria Fortain of Dyer started her search in the upper level room.
“I follow specific authors and always want to add to their collections,” she said, as she browsed a fully stocked shelf. “You can’t beat the prices at this sale, I just found a recently-published book from my favorite author retailing for $28. I’m paying $1.”
Customers were very pleased with what they found — hundreds of books, movies and music items all priced at $1 or less. Some recalled stories of sorting through thrift stores and garage sales as they searched.
Funds garnered from the yearly sale are given to the Friends of the Library organization, which helps fund the Summer Reading Program, concerts, speakers, and other programs the library schedules each year, Burniston said.
Library volunteers were on hand to assist customers, and dozens of long tables had large signs listing book topics to make browsing easier.
“Everyone has been helpful, everything is so organized,” said Penny Martin of Highland, as she searched for cookbooks. “I just started to learn how to cook and I was blown away by the high prices of books at the retail stores. No way can I afford to pay those prices.”
Kimberly Carlisle of Hobart brought two of her 15 grandchildren to the sale.
“I feel that reading is so important for the kids, so I’ve started my own library,” she said. “Sales like this have helped me to do that.”
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Burniston said the annual book sale is a win-win situation.
“The proceeds help raise money for the library,” she added. “It also gives families a chance to buy books they may not otherwise be able to afford.”
The Merrillville Main Library of the Lake County Public Library offers many programs and concerts during the year. For more information, call (219) 769-3541.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.