Story provided by Stillwater Public Library
The Friends of the Stillwater Public Library’s spring used book sale is scheduled for April 20-23 and features thousands of books, DVDs and CD books ranging in price from 25 cents to $1. Funds raised from the semi-annual sales are used to purchase books and equipment for the library and provide access to free programs and learning opportunities for all ages.
Books on all subjects, in all genres and for all reading levels will be available to purchase tax-free. Attendees must pay with cash or check as the Friends cannot accept credit or debit card payments.
Library Director Stacy DeLano notes that 2023 is a special year for the library, one that may not have been possible without support from the Friends.
“We are incredibly fortunate to be celebrating our 100-year anniversary,” DeLano said. “The Friends of the Library and the dedicated work they do on the sales has played an invaluable role in sustaining the library over the years.”
The Friends of the Stillwater Public Library was formed in 1980 and held its first book sale in 1982.
“For over 40 years the Friends have provided this incredible opportunity for the Stillwater community,” DeLano said. “We’re able to give books a second life, put reading material in the hands of others for incredibly low prices and provide the continued ability for the entire community to read and learn.”
The sale begins on Thursday, April 20, from 5-8 p.m. with a “Members Only Preview.” Friends of the Library membership is open to everyone and will be available to purchase at the door. Memberships are $10 per year for individuals or families, and those who purchase a membership at the April sale will also be able to attend the preview for the fall sale. A lifelong membership can be purchased for $100. Buyers at the preview sale are limited to 100 books, including 50 children’s items.
The sale opens to the general public on Friday, April 21, from noon to 8 p.m. and continues Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Stillwater Arts Festival will also be taking place on these dates at the Prairie Arts Center next door, so the library suggests that book sale shoppers be prepared for there to be less nearby parking on Friday and Saturday. Parking on Thursday and Sunday will be unaffected.
Friends’ member Holly Hartman, thinks that having so much cultural activity in one weekend will be a wonderful opportunity for Stillwater.
“Having the Arts Festival, the Farmer’s Market and the book sale all taking place in the same corridor provides a lot of opportunities,” Hartman said. “But we also recognize that there will be less parking, so Prairie Arts and the Friends have made some plans to help.”
Stillwater Martial Arts will use their vans to provide a shuttle service to and from the book sale and Arts Festival from parking lots at Southern Woods Park, First Methodist Church, Block 34 and the Community Center. There will be signs to indicate where pick up and drop off points are located. Additionally, the Friends will offer a curbside pick-up service so that anyone buying a large number of books can retrieve their car and then drive up to the designated area in the north parking lot to retrieve their purchases.
Parking will return to normal for the Bag Sale on Sunday, April 23, from 1:30-4 p.m. Shoppers can fill an entire bag with books of their choosing for $1. The Friends of the Library provide the bags and there is no limit to the number of bags that can be purchased.
The Friends of the Library still need volunteers to help with the sale. Anyone with interest in helping should get in touch with the Library Help Desk by emailing askalibrarian@stillwater.org or calling (405) 372-3633 x8106. Librarians will connect volunteers to Friends of the Library members.
Sale shoppers can visit library.stillwater.org for more information about the sale, the Friends and attaining a membership.
The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St. Library hours are Monday- Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.