As Columbia residents flooded Daniel Boone Regional Library in search of books to take home, volunteers from Friends of the Library worked the sale. During their two-hour shifts, some volunteers sorted books while others worked at the check-out stand where they jokingly asked Columbia residents, “That’s all?” as they brought piles to the counter. This was the scene at Daniel Boone Regional Library Sept. 8-9 during the Friends of Columbia Public Library’s Annual Fall Book Sale.

Founded in 1965, the Friends of the Library organization has conducted numerous community events, drawing residents out to the library. These events have come as a result of the several decade long partnership between the Daniel Boone Regional Library and Friends of the Library that have focused their mission on aiding the library in its success. 

“The profit from this sale allows [the library] to do some extra things that they would not have done otherwise,” Orinda Prell, secretary of Friends of the Library, said.

Volunteers from Friends of the Library spent weeks before the sale began collecting, sorting and pricing books, CDs, DVDs and audiobooks donated by Columbia residents and the library itself.

Membership in this community group is open to everyone and provides numerous opportunities to assist with fundraising during semi-weekly and annual book sales. Volunteers such as Columbia resident Joyce Anderson have participated in the Friends of the Library organization for years. 

“It’s just a group of people who come together because they care about the library and will do whatever they need to make the library successful,” Anderson said. 

Annual sales, such as the fall book sale, have helped the community save some money while allowing them the opportunity to stock up their bookshelves. Back in March of 2020, sales were put on pause due to COVID-19 restrictions; the annual book sales didn’t get on a regular schedule until the summer of 2021. Despite the pause due to COVID-19, the Friends of the Library donated $55,000 to the library from book sales made in 2022, according to Friends of the Library estimates from 2023. These sales aided in the funding of summer reading programs and author visits during the annual Unbound Book Festival that occurred in April. 

“The atmosphere is beautiful. Everyone has smiles on their faces,” Anderson said. 

With the conclusion of the fall book sale on Saturday, the Friends of the Library volunteers’ work doesn’t stop. They are now beginning to prepare for the upcoming annual children’s book sale occurring next month in addition to the annual spring book sale that is set to occur during Spring 2024. 

“We’re getting back on our feet again as more donations come through every day, allowing us to build up our collection for the upcoming sales,” Prell said.

Edited by Alex Goldstein | agoldstein@themaneater.com
Copy Edited by Emma Short and Sterling Sewell | ssewell@themaneater.com