The Moorestown Library works vigilantly throughout the year to stress the importance of books, reading and ultimately education. Through its endeavors and more than 160 years of operation, the library has come to host numerous book sales with its next “big book sale” being held on Friday, Sept. 16 and Saturday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the meeting room.
“The purpose of the book sale is to provide a dual service to the community: to offer excellent condition books at rock bottom prices and to provide a convenient place for people to donate their books,” Kristin Rothenberger, circulation supervisor of the library, said.
To organize such a large-scale book sale, it takes many library staff members, Friends of the Library members and volunteers. They must first intake the books donated to the sale in the circulation department and then sort and box them into their respective categories. This team also helps ensure the two-day sale runs smoothly.
Rothenberger admits that even with up to 500 people in attendance over the sale’s two-day window, the most challenging aspect for the workers and volunteers remains the limited space for sorting and storage.
“The attendance of the book sale has increased with each one held as the word has spread about our high quality offerings,” Rothenberger said. “We offer a selection of over 3,000 books at this book sale. Each book sale features a brand new selection of titles.”
Books being sold at the event, which are all collected as donations from the library’s patrons, range in category from fiction to biographies, mysteries, history books, cooking books, gardening books, children’s stories, coffee table books and more.
During the sale, books are sold to local people, out-of-towners who stop by to browse and even book dealers. According to Rothenberger, a popular use for book sales is the purchase of inexpensive gifts for birthdays and holidays.
In addition to this September’s book sale, three other “big book sales” take place throughout the year. There is one in March, June and another that will take place before the conclusion of this year on Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Books are universal, timeless and portable. There is no need for Internet access, a computer, electricity or batteries, therefore not only is it convenient, but it is open to all income classes,” Rothenberger said. “One can also have the added benefit of storing the book forever, or recycling it into another book sale for someone else’s enjoyment.”
