Friends volunteer Bao Nguyen, a college student, makes sure the books are in order for prospective buyers. Photos by Eleanor Lamb
The Friends of the Richard Byrd Library’s used book sale soared, providing the Springfield community with a source of intellectual enrichment and literary diversions.
The sale, which ended this past Saturday, was one of two annual book sales the Friends conduct. It boasted an eclectic selection, containing everything from teaching guides to White House cookbooks.
Nearly as numerous as the plethora of books, CDs and VHS tapes showcased were the sources of help to make the sale possible. Not only did a mystery van carrying 400 professionally packed books arrive for the Friends, the Robert E. Lee High School tennis team and Lake Braddock Secondary School Key Club helped compile the assortment. These many helping hands made the four-day event successful.
“So far, we’re ahead of last year,” said Friends volunteer Judy Perry of Springfield. “We have really good materials.”
President of the Friends group Christine Peterson of Springfield is thrilled to be conducting this sale because of the benefits the books and the funds made from them will do for the community. All of the profit from the books, which ranged in price from $.25 to $1, will be put toward summer programs for children.
The sale also offered a few vintage books, which Peterson believes book collectors will treasure. Such novels include “Main Street” by Sinclair Lewis and “The King in Yellow” by Robert Chambers, who is considered a virtuoso in modern horror.
“[One] is in perfect shape,” said Peterson. “[One] has a little wear, [but] wear is okay.”
While the book sale did present a wide array of books, not everyone browsing found exactly what they wanted. Financier Yonas Demeiyesus of Springfield had trouble finding a book about corporate finance and management. Although he had trouble procuring a text on this topic, he thought the sale was otherwise well rounded and that this event was a good idea for the community.
“Sometimes, you have to own a book for life,” said Demeiyesus.
Even though books regarding corporate management techniques may have been hard to come by, the sale was teeming with other genres, such as children’s books. 1,500 children’s books had already been sold.
“Doesn’t that speak well of the community?” said Peterson.
As the library ended its sale, there were still multiple boxes of books left behind. The remaining children’s books will be donated to the Ecumenical Community Helping Others and the remaining adult books will go to the Rotary Club.
“It’s a thoughtful system,” said Peterson. “We want the books working hard for everyone.”
According to Peterson, the sale garnered $9,483, which is over 20 percent more than last June when they made $7,759. “Now we can do more for our Springfield community. Not only will we be funding a vigorous children’s program at the library this summer, we’ll have the money we need for our 55th anniversary party on Aug. 8 and 10.”