Booksales
compiled by Joan Larson
Once again I would like to thank everyone who responded to my question of what to do with the books that are left after a used book sale. I put the responses together and, while the suggestions may not fit your situation exactly, perhaps the ideas will trigger something in your mind that will work in your community. To start out, a number of people commented that no matter what you do, used book sales are a lot of work!
Click here for the full text of the Booksales article
Evy Nordley Best Project By Friends
2005 Entry Summaries
Albert Lea Friends of the Library
"Albert Lea Remembers"
Blending local history with libraries, Friends worked with several organizations and former and present residents to publish a softcover book of over 80 personal memories about the city--in time for Albert Lea ’s 2006 sesquicentennial. Friends raised over $9,000 to support their programs. Participants in the project also included Albert Lea Public Library staff; Constant Reader, local bookstore, and other stores; Albert Lea Area Community Education; Freeborn County Historical Society; and Joan Clair Graham, editor.
Contact: Theresa Schmidt, 507-377-4350, theresas@selco.info
Albert Lea Public Library : http://www.city.albertlea.org/library.htm
Friends of the Albert Lea Public Library : http://www.city.albertlea.org/friends.htm
Annandale Area Friends of the Library
"Mystery Crime Wave Author Dinner"
No mystery to the success of this literary event, the first community-wide project for the newly organized Friends group. Minnesota mystery writers Ellen Hart, Carl Brookins, William Kent Krueger and Deb orah Woodworth were honored guest-authors at the dinner, generously supported by local businesses. Funds raised will support children’s programs at the Annandale Area Public Library . Plans are in the works for a similar event in 2006. Case closed.
Contact: Cindy Ahrens, 320-274-2712, ahrens@lakedalelink.net
Annandale Area Public Library : http://www.annandale.mn.us/library/index.htm
Annandale Area Friends of the Library : http://www.annandale.mn.us/library/Friends/index.htm
Friends of Edina Public Library
"Membership Poster and Powerpoint Presentation"
Here’s a great project any Minnesota Friends group can model easily: A Friends poster, listing members, accompanied by a Powerpoint presentation that showcases Friends’ contributions. And it’s all about location, location, location. The poster is displayed in two locations: inside the library’s front entrance and over a table holding the Powerpoint presentation. Membership has increased by 20 percent! And new memberships continue to come in each month.
Contact: Andy Otness, 952-922-5165, FOtness@aol.com
Edina Public Library : http://www.hclib.org/AgenciesAction.cfm?agency=Ed
Friends of the Fergus Falls Public Library
"Book Sale Cart"
A quick-start project using a library-donated book truck, fresh coat of paint, and new signs has turned into a real revenue-generator for the Fergus Fall Friends. Volunteers restock the cart and keep the selection fresh. Book Sale Cart publicity relies mainly on word of mouth and newsletter pub. Book Cart crawlers include local bookworms, a flea market vendor, resorters looking for easy reads, and homeschoolers needing additions to their libraries. Unique feature: An old Fergus Falls city parking meter is used as a cash register in this self-serve bookstore. Last heard: Sale Cart had generated over $2,700 since February 2004.
Contact: Rick Schara, 998-0544-2621, schara@integraonline.com
Fergus Falls Public Library : http://www.fergusfalls.lib.mn.us/
Friends of the LeSueur Public Library
"A Chocolate Affaire"
Oh, the truffles this Friends groups has seen. Sinfully tasty adults-only fundraiser at the LeSueur Public Library featured 35 different chocolate confections homemade by Friends. All the details were in the presentation: white Italian lights, elegant tablecloths, spring flower centerpieces, and chocolate trivia. A rare opportunity to socialize with friends--and make new ones from St. Peter, Mankato , Le Center and Henderson . This library, which survived a flood disaster in 2004, thrives. Funds went toward an expanded Book Leasing Collection.
Contact: Sally Olson, 507-665-6598, solson@teltech.com
Traverse des Sioux Library System: http://www.tds.lib.mn.us/
Friends of the Pelican Rapids Library
"Building a Book Truck"
Most creative solution by Friends to the question of how we store and sort books before booksales: Convert a semi-trailer into a book storage and sale truck. Presence at Pelican Rapids’ biggest summer events has resulted in an expanded audience, more sales, and more new Friends! Over time a place to store and sort books means less wear-and-tear on Friends. Over $3,000 was raised at the 2005 sale.
Contact: Joan Ellison, 218-863-5904, dellison@loretel.net
Pelican Rapids Library : http://www.pelicanrapids.lib.mn.us/index.php
Friends of the Pelican Rapids Library : http://www.pelicanrapids.lib.mn.us/index.php?module=topics&func=view&topicid=23
Friends of Suburban Ramsey County Libraries
"New Library for North St. Paul"
In 2003, the North St. Paul Library would have celebrated 80 years; instead it was closed due to budget concerns. While county and local politicians envisioned a new, smaller library co-located with a community center and coffee shop, Friends elicited a generous response to raising funds for a multi-media collection, books and furniture. Friends raised over $71,700, or 109 percent of their goal! Friends donated the checkout machine, and now they can cozy up to the fireplace donated by Kraus-Anderson Construction Company. Patrons enjoyed a March 2005 grand opening.
Contact: Nancy Guerino, 651-777-9030, nguerino@hotmail.com
Ramsey County Library : http://www.ramsey.lib.mn.us/
Friends of Suburban Ramsey County Libraries page linked to Library Information
Friends of the St. Louis Park Public Library
"Teen Area Art Competition"
Teens are even more inspired to READ-IT READ IT READ-IT at their library with the addition of permanent art installed in the teen reading area. Friends managed the art competition process and awarded the commission to local artist and student Yezi Xue. Xue’s bright, inviting contribution was a wall mural of delicate foliage and a riveting tree frog. The wall is not all: her design also appears on the Friends new book bags. Xue was on hand to autograph the book bags for their debut at the library’s Youth Art Reception in March. Sales of book bags at used-book sales continue to bring in funds for Friends projects.
Contact: Marcy Joseph, 952-924-0776, marcyjoseph@netzero.net
St. Louis Park Public Library : http://www.hclib.org/AgenciesAction.cfm?agency=SL
Friends of the Sandstone Public Library
"‘Sandstone Bookmark’: Newsletter for Friends of the Sandstone Library"
Published three times a year, this appealing, professional, yet cost-effective newsletter was one of the first projects undertaken by this Friends group, newly established in 2004. The ‘Sandstone Bookmark’ is used to advertise events, attract new members, increase public awareness of library-related issues and foster a positive image of the Friends. During 2004, the newsletter was instrumental in a grassroots campaign to persuade Pine County commissioners to approve the East Central Regional Library budget, after a shortfall in library funding the previous year.
Contact: Stephanie Carlson, 320-245-2107, dscarlson@scicable.com
Sandstone Public Library : http://ecrl.lib.mn.us/branches/sandstone/
Friends of the Silver Bay Public Library
"Lake Superior Salmon Classic Fishing Tournament and Raffle"
It takes nine months of preparation, two days to execute and is comprised of three components (Salmon Classic Fishing Tournament, Le Tour da Fish and Raffle), but the ‘Salmon Classic’ has raised over $5,000 to support the library expansion project. The library director handles the pub; and staff assist with mass mailings and storing donations of prizes that come from all over the country. During the event weekend, 15-20 Friends work in shifts to sell tickets, check each boat for tickets, launch boats, and sell concessions. The 2004 event was the first year the Salmon Classic was run by the Friends. Good weather is vital to the event’s success. Aside from the weather, another challenge: In 2006, the Salmon Classic will compete for donations for the City of Silver Bay’s 50 th anniversary.
Contact: Mary Nilles-Fredrickson, 218-226-3253, illsil@arrowhead.lib.mn.us
Silver Bay Public Library : http://www.silverbay.com/library.htm
For information on how to apply for the 2006 Evy Nordley Award for Best Project By Friends of the Library , please visit the Minnesota Association of Library Friends’ website: www.malf.info
Evy Nordley Best Project By Friends
2004 Applicant Summaries
Annandale Friends of the Library
“Library Book and Cookie Sale”
Contact: Cindy Ahrens, 320-272-2712, ahrens@lakedalelink.net
The objective of this project was multi-functional: to clean out the old library building of all shelving, furniture, miscellaneous and old materials after the move to a new library building; to raise funds for use in the new library; to build community in the newly –formed Friends group; and to have fun! Collaboration with the local Improvement Club and the city made the event a success. The old library was cleaned out and the Friends raised almost $1,500 for future projects.
Friends of the Arrowhead Library System’s Bookmobile and Mail-a-Book Program
“Connecting Rural ALS Patrons By Means of a Newsletter”
Contact: Majorie McPeak, 218-753-3503, mcpeak@rangenet.com
This is MALF’s first member to serve a unique population of library users. Many of the community libraries within the Arrowhead Library System have Friends groups, but patrons of their bookmobile and mail-a-book service did not have an opportunity to participate. A letter of interest was sent out by library staff and over several months, 35 replies were received. This group organized a short newsletter to distribute to library patrons of these two services. In the future, the group hopes to sponsor additional informational newsletters and to host informational coffee sessions with speakers in a variety of locations in the area.
Friends of the Chanhassen Library
“Children’s Tile Project”
Contact: Laura Helmer, 952-975-3819, lahelm@aol.com
The main objective of this project was to stimulate community involvement and ownership in the new Chanhassen library. To accomplish this goal, the Friends sponsored a program in which more than 250 children’s handprints and first names were painted on ceramic tiles which then were used on the walls in the children’s restroom at the library. A local company finished preparing and fired all of the tiles free of charge. The customized tiles were a hit at the Library’s Grand Opening… and with its success came 37 new memberships through this project. This project provided a highly visible and lasting example of Friends contributions to the library.
Chaska Friends of the Library
“Through the Eyes of a Child”
Contact: Bonnie Schanzenbach, 952-448-5612.
As a first step to bring art into the newly expanded and renovated Chaska Library, the Friends of the Library pursued grant funding and local matches to sponsor a series of 12 free art classes led by a local professional artist during the summer of 2003. In these classes, books served as the inspiration for elementary age children to create multi-media works of art. Their art was reviewed by a jury of local artists and 19 works were selected to be matted, framed and hung in the library. The Grand Opening Exhibit introduced the artists and their works to family, friends and the community.
Chatfield Friends of the Library and Library Friends of FillmoreCounty
“Fillmore County Fair: Library Friends Booth”
Contact: Mimi Seamens, 507-867-3462, mseamens@myclearwave.net
The Library Friends of Chatfield spearheaded the idea of having a booth at the county fair representing all seven community libraries in the county… as a cooperative project. The booth featured nine authors (appearing at different times) and was staffed by 30 volunteers from all seven libraries. Each library also donated a prize… which was raffled off… raising almost $700. Library promotional materials were also handed out to fair attendees.
Delano Friends of the Library
“There’s No Place Like Home”
Contact: Mary Ann Bernat, 763-972-6274, maryannbernat@yahoo.com
This multi-year project used more than 500 different community members, under the directions of the Friends and the branch librarian, to plan and raise funds for a new library location. Multiple grants and fundraising activities (more than 30!) raised approximately $170,000. A grand opening event celebrated the hard work of the entire community. This complex project demonstrates the importance of good planning, publicity, and evaluation.
Friends of the DouglasCounty Library
“Christmas Cookie Walk”
Contact: Jan Siffing, 320-759-1032, jwlklatoka@charter.net
A “Cookie Walk” event was sponsored by the Friends as a fundraiser. They asked community members to bake and donate three dozen (or more) of their favorite and fanciest Christmas cookies. These donations were then sold at a morning event for $5 per pound. At the “walk” trays of the cookies were set up for purchasers to select. Live music was also performed at the event. The group made a $600 profit.
Friends of the Duluth Public Library
“BookwormGarden Club Beautifies LibraryGardens”
Contact: Wendy Wennberg, 218-723-3836, wwennberg@duluth.lib.mn.us
Due to recent budget constraints, the city of Duluth discontinued providing plants and gardening services for several public places, including the library’s gardens. The Friends of the Library decided to create a group willing to plant and maintain the garden spaces around the library facility. The formation of Bookworm Garden Club resulted in securing new private funding and gave good publicity for the library. The project provided a number of new collaboration efforts with other organizations in the city.
Friends of the Edina Library
“Membership Campaign”
Contact: Amy Frankfurt, 952-946-0085, amyfran@mn.rr.com
To improve membership recruitment and retention for the Friends of the Edina Library, the group created a yearlong campaign. In addition to the regular membership activities, this group developed several other strategic activities, including: a solicitation letter distributed by Board members; membership open house; special recruitment at the Fall and Spring Book Sales; board efforts to increase renewals; a reminder post card; a membership poster; and increased record keeping. In a one year period, the membership grew 35 percent!
Friends of the FergusFalls Public Library
“Local Celebrities READ”
Contact: Mick Siems, 218-739-2900, msiems@millstreet.org
Using software purchased from ALA Graphics, this project created posters to show the community that a wide variety of “local celebrities” are readers. A Friends member took photographs of local community members reading (fire chief, school principals, etc.) and used the software to make customized posters similar to ALA’s celebrity poster series. The posters were placed around the community during and after National Library Week. They were submitted to the local newspaper and were printed during a week-long series on the library. The local electric utility printed the posters without charge… and extra posters were sold as a fundraiser for the Friends.
Greenbush Area Friends of the Library
“Storytime Adventures Reading Project”
Contact: Judy Pulczinski, 218-782-2460, jgpulczinski@wiktel.com
Three members of the Greenbush Girl Scout Troop, in conjunction with the Friends of the Library, sponsored a Storytime Reading Program for children in their community. The Girl Scout Cadets earned a “Silver Award” for their efforts. The Friends helped sponsor the programs financially. The three girls, after being trained in storytelling, provided more than 10 programs at the library for children. Creative and colorful posters were made to promote the program, and the public library saw growth in its usage.
Friends of the Northfield Public Library
“First Steps Early LiteracyCenter”
Contact: Kathy Ness, 507-645-1804, kathyn@selco.lib.mn.us
“First Steps” is an early literacy center located in the Northfield Public Library; it is designed to spark the interest of young children and their parents in toys and playful learning techniques that promote reading readiness in English and Spanish. Funding for the center came from the Friends, plus several other area foundations and individuals.
Friends of the Pelican Rapids Public Library
“The Faces of Change”
Contact: Joan Ellison, 218-863-5904, dellison@loretel.net
This project was an exhibit documenting the stories of refugees and immigrants who had recently moved to this small, rural community in Minnesota. Oral histories of each participant were made into essays and photographs of each individual were included in the exhibit. This project exemplifies collaboration among community agencies and demonstrates how the local library can make a significant contribution to a changing community.
Friends of the Princeton Public Library
“Library Birthday Party”
Contract: Mardy Butterfield, 763-389-1199, princeton@ecrl.lib.mn.us
A library birthday party was sponsored by the Friends to continue to introduce community members to what is available at the library; to encourage volunteers; and to have current Friends members participate in an activity to explain the library activities. The local newspaper and radio stations were utilized to promote the birthday party. Friends members were used to volunteer for the event and the Friends provided funds for the refreshments.
RedwoodFalls Friends of the Library
“Ice Cream Social” Project
Contact: Mary Brauer, 507-627-3935, mjb@newultel.net
As part of the library’s 100 th anniversary, the Friends joined in the yearlong celebration by sponsoring an “Ice Cream Social.” The event was in an empty lot adjacent to the library. The community was invited to bring their lawn chairs, have an ice cream sundae, and listen to music while visiting with their friends and neighbors. The social was co-sponsored with the Redwood County Dairy Association and the KLGR radio station. The Redwood Valley High School Jazz Band was hired to provide the music. More than 260 people attended the event.
Friends of the Wayzata Library
“Library Activities: Wayzata’s Sesquicentennial Celebration”
Contact: Kitty Petit, 952-475-3641, winpet@aol.com
A Library Garden Party was sponsored by the Friends to celebrate the 150 th anniversary of the city. The event featured music and storytelling throughout the day (including folk music performers, Curtis & Loretta; storyteller, Bob Gasch; and local author Susan Davis Price). The dedication of several pieces of art in the new public library took place… as well as the dedication of the Wayzata Children’s Garden, located at the library. A note card, featuring a photograph of the new library, was also created by the Friends and are sold as a fundraiser. Approximately 400 people attended the event.
For information on how to apply for the 2005 Evy Nordley Award for Best Project By Friends of the Library, please visit the Minnesota Association of Library Friends’ website: www.malf.info
October 2004
Copyright 2004, all rights reserved