GRANBY — The Friends of the Granby Free Public Library will once again host its month-long fall book sale starting Sept. 3 to Sept. 28.
Open to all book lovers and bargain hunters, the Friends of the Granby Free Public Library’s book fair will take place in the library’s community room with a large assortment of used and like-new hardcover, softcover and paperback books as well as books for teens and children, and also a selection of CDs, DVDs, video games and audiobooks.
Granby Free Public Library Director Jennifer Crosby told Reminder Publishing the two book fairs the library hosts in the spring and fall of each year are her favorite time of year.
“It’s the heart of library fundraising, our book sales and it’s a fun way for people to recycle their reading,” Crosby said. “I’ve been director here for 16 years and I’ve been helping at these book sales since I was a child. I grew up in town, I’ve been involved forever and it’s just one of my favorite things and I love that it brings our community together.”
The book sale serves as the biggest fundraising effort each year for the library while working in tandem with the community to offer affordable reads.
“It’s a way to really keep your family reading on the cheap,” Crosby said. “We do love a good bookstore, not trying to knock bookstores, but this just makes it more financial sense for families and it’s so much fun.”
Donations are being accepted at the library during open hours in lead up to the book fair beginning. The library asks that people do not leave donated books outside the library or in the book return. If you have more than a few boxes to donate or need assistance, the library asks you contact them beforehand at 413-467-3320 and they will schedule a volunteer to help upon availability.
Crosby and the library have stayed consistent in their work supporting youth with different resources, as they also have spent a portion of the summer serving as a school supply drop-off spot in conjunction with Granby High School student Austin Smith. According to Crosby, the library was approached by Smith who is entering is senior year of school with the idea to have the library offer its space for a school supply drop-off spot to collect school resources before the new year.
“I’m always down for collecting things. We’re probably one of the only buildings in town where the entire community comes to visit, from babies to older folks, so we’re always happy to be a drop off spot when we’re rally limited on community outlets,” Crosby said. “I think it’s really important to take things for other drives as well, not just the library. So, he was doing that for the Granby-to-go program prior to the start of school.”
The drop-off has wrapped up by print time, but Crosby added it was a great example of the library’s connection with its community.
Earlier this month state Rep. Mindy Domb (D-Amherst) stopped by the library to participate in the drop-off and donate supplies. Crosby said the library was so grateful for Domb’s relationship with them and that she frequents the library for representative meeting hours.
“She’s helped us find new computers, she’s helped us with this and that. I love seeing her interact with the community and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a state rep. that interactive within the community,” Crosby added.
