FALCONER Despite being a very small facility, the Falconer Public Library's 65th annual book sale is off to a great start.
When Sue Seamans, Falconer Library director arrived at the Falconer Library at 7 a.m. on Thursday, she arrived alone. However, after a few minutes, she observed people lining up at the front door, nearly two hours before the book sale started.
"When I arrived this morning to get things set up ... there was a line that went down the sidewalk and around the corner into the driveway," said Seamans. "There must have been 45 people waiting it was very exciting. I went out and said 'thank you' and offered them coffee and gave them price sheets."
Article Photos
Betty Palmer, senior library clerk, organizes books as patrons browse the library during the book sale on Thursday. The library’s bag sale takes place today.
P-J photos by Remington Whitcomb
However, Seamans was hardly the only one who contributed to the sale. According to her, more than 40 volunteers helped to put together and run the book sale.
"It really almost brings a tear to my eye to see all these good people coming in here and helping out," said Seamans. "Whether it's the Becker girls who coordinated their shirts and fingernails to promote "bee" a reader, or Lindsey Buck, a former student. She's in here all the time, even though she's at (SUNY Fredonia). Carol Peterson is here helping out, even though it's her birthday. Tim Becker has been helping people carry books to their cars. Our staff is just unbelievable."
"I really like the library, so I really enjoy helping," said Elizabeth Becker, who, along with her sister, made impromptu T-shirts to wear while volunteering. "The summer reading program theme is 'bee' a reader, so we thought (dressing up) would be a fun idea."
And while many patrons of the library left the sale with their arms full of books, many of them made an effort to bring something with them for the sale as well, in the form of sweets and baked goods for staff and other patrons.
"So many patrons want to say 'thank you' for what the library offers that many have brought in treats," said Seamans. "Right now our refrigerator is packed full of things patrons brought in. It's really touching, actually."
Though many patrons visited the book sale on Thursday, Seamans expects many more to come today for the bag sale. Much like the Prendergast Library's book sale, any amount of books which can be fit into a bag will cost only $5. If patrons would like, they may bring in a reusable grocery bag to help conserve paper.
The sale begins again today at 9 a.m. and lasts until 5 p.m. The Falconer Public Library is located at 101 W. Main St. in Falconer. The library can be reached at 665-3504 for questions.