How do we Memphians know that fall has arrived? The trees along Belvedere turn from green to gold, orange, and red in Midtown. The Tigers take to the gridiron and the Grizzlies hold court. And the Friends of the Library hold their Fall Book Sale to support programs and services of Memphis Public Libraries.
And it is that time once again.
Beginning this Friday, October 23rd, and going on through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library will welcome all with a literary bent. The sale offers up hardback and paperback books for all ages, magazines, CDs, DVDs, specialty books, sheet music, vinyl records, and more. All items are priced at $2 and below and, because this is a library, and because Memphians know how to use a library, all items are gently used.
“We always anticipate the Friends’ book sales for several reasons,” Director of Libraries Keenon McCloy said in a press release. “In addition to growing our home libraries, each sale is an investment in our community and a way to encourage literacy in Memphis. You cannot put a price tag on that.”
And industrial giant Andrew Carnegie said at the turn of last century, as he was in the process of giving his fortune away, much of it to fund libraries around the globe: “There is not such a cradle of democracy upon the earth as the free public library, this republic of letters, where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration.”
You might say Carnegie was a first friend of the library. If you would like to join the Friends of the Library, simply visit any physical Memphis Public Library location or visit virtually (memphislibrary.org), and fill out an application. Or email volunteer coordinator Terrice Thomas at terrace.thomas@memphistn.gov.
For more information on the upcoming book sale, call 901-415-2840.
Friends of the Library Fall 2015 Book SaleBenjamin L. Hooks Central Library 3030 Poplar Avenue Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24 10 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
