Weekend Fundraiser to Benefit Friends of the Library

As early as noon on Friday, people started lining up outside the McNease Convention Center, located at 500 Rio Concho Drive, in San Angelo, some with re-useable grocery bags, and others with wagons and carts in tow. Children, as well as adults, talked amongst one another, anxiously awaiting 5 o'clock, as this was the beginning of a popular local fundraiser benefiting a large portion of the San Angelo community.

Inside the building, Tom Green County Friends of the Library volunteers prepared for the influx and the beginning of their Annual Book Sale. Jody Johnson, President of the TGCFOL, a non-profit organization, said she has been a volunteer for the last six years, and has held her current position for the last four.  

She said, "We had around 150 volunteers for this event and started bringing in the books on Wednesday morning, working through Thursday until 9 p.m."

Friday was spent fine tuning the countless sections and many volunteers, in their red aprons, happily stood by to help incoming patrons. Johnson said there were "85 to 100,000 pieces brought in" and was extremely grateful for all who took part in organizing the event.  

 

"There are some people who still love 'the book,' the smell of it, the feel of it, holding it, highlighting and writing in it; and then there are those who opt for a tablet or other sources to read online," she added. "Today is 'donation day' to where one can come in with their red wagons or whatever, give what they can, and take what they need."  

Emily Sides, strolled along the children's section, while her daughters Josie, 3, and Arri, 5, browsed the stacks of colorful choices with tote bags in hand. Her son, 6-year-old Witten, a first grader (for two more days) at TLC Academy, anxiously called out to his mom at a neighboring table. As he stacked and shuffled his Beatrix Potter collection, he said, "We're getting a lot of books! I like to read books because It makes me better at math." He shyly smiled when asked if these books were for him to keep or borrow, and exclaimed, "I get to keep them!"

Like this family, Book lovers lingered among the numerous aisles and categories of reads, filling their bags, boxes, and buggies, and meticulously browsing in deep concentration, oblivious to passersby. The "History and War" table seemed to be a favorite of mature gentlemen, while the ladies tended to gravitate towards the "Craft, Hobby, and Cookbook" sections. From hardback to paperback, and even books on tape, there was something for everyone. Not only were there a vast assortment of books (individual, sets, classics and collectibles), but there were also magazines, DVD's, records, paintings, and stained glass artwork for sale. 

For this event, volunteers are always welcome, and Johnson said they have many helpers who come in all year round (to the library) who sort the donated books stored in the basement.  

"We also have a book store in the Stephens Central Library where we sell books as well as an online bookstore," she said.

The sale will continue through Monday, May 16, and monetary donations, as well as books (in good condition), are always accepted and greatly appreciated.

 
For more information, please email [email protected]. Donations can be mailed to TGCFOL, P.O. Box 60421, San Angelo, Texas 76906. Also, check out the Tom Green County Stephens Central Library Facebook page for the numerous activities they will offer during the summer and year round.