One's trash is another's treasure

If you’ve already worn out every mystery novel you own and you’re interested in immersing yourself in an intricate adventure instead, chances are you’ll find one at the upcoming Friends of the Library book sale.

Known as the “Gently Used Book Sale,” it will feature hundreds of books sorted into fiction, nonfiction and children’s categories that will provide hours of entertainment without emptying the pocketbook.

“The books we have for sale will be priced at 50 cents to $5,” Friends of the Library member Lois Burnes said. “They’re all previously owned and loved and read by people.”

From 9 a.m. to noon Saturday Aug. 4, the selection will be set up in the Foot Room of the Red Wing Public Library. The sale was intentionally scheduled for that date so people who are already roaming the town for River City Days will have another activity to enjoy.

“It was kind of to coincide with lots of other things that are going on,” Burnes said, adding that it will give people a chance to escape the August heat as well. “Everybody can be assured it’s a cool place to browse.”

Having sorted through many stacks of books to prepare for the sale, Burnes knows firsthand that there’s an impressive variety for customers to choose from. More than 40 boxes packed tight with books have been set aside to be used for the sale — containing everything from popular mysteries to stories by Minnesota writers.

“You can find something that was on the New York Times best seller’s list — or maybe still is — and you can get it for $2. That’s a pretty good deal,” Burnes said with a laugh.

Proceeds from the sale will benefit the library based on what areas could use the most assistance.

“We consult with the library staff to see what their needs are,” Burnes said.

In the past, the Friends of the Library has supplied furniture to the children’s story section, paid for authors to visit the library, helped purchase new books and assisted in funding programs.

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