With hundreds expected to flock to The Friends of the Library sale in Fayetteville this weekend, a lottle history is in order.
The original library was started in 1929 by several ladies in Fayetteville. They kept it going until 1977 when the city and the county began to take it over.
It was originally called The Margaret Mitchell Library and was often stocked with books that Mitchell brought them.
When Fayette County took over the entire library the name was changed to the Fayette County Public Library.
The library currently has 43,200 patrons with library cards and circulates more than 455,000 items a year.
Although the county originally contributed enough funds for salaries, some basic equipment, and some of the funds needed to support various classes, additional funds were needed.
The Friends of the Fayette County Public Library was formed in 1986 when a group of mutually interested citizens met to discuss additional needs of the library and to seek ways to help strengthen its collections and facilities in areas not provided in the county budget.
There are two ways in which income can be derived to increase the funds available: memberships and a used book sale.
Memberships are $10 for individuals, $5 for seniors and students, $25 for a family and $100 for a corporate membership or patron.
The book sale is usually held three times a year at the library. On the Friday afternoon of the sale, only members can come and have first choice of items for sale. On Saturday, it is open to the public.
All income derived from these sales go to the various programs held at the library.
Volunteers are needed throughout the year to help sort and price the hundreds of used books that are brought into the library for the sales. Donated books can be dropped off at the library during regular hours of operation and pick up of a large donation can be scheduled.
Saturday’s sale runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There is one special table, “Antiques, Vintage and Collectibles”, where you can perhaps find a first edition, or author-autographed books.
There are over a dozen topics available as well as paperback books, books on tape and CDs, and a separate room containing children’s books, cook books, craft books and home repairs.
You can support the Friends by joining, volunteering, helping sort books, work at the book sales, or donate books. All donations are tax-deductible.
