CRESTVIEW — The Friends of the Crestview Library's annual fall book sale has grown too big for the library. So this weekend, the event moves to Warriors Hall in the Whitehurst Memorial Building.
The event is the “largest used book and media sale in the Panhandle," Friends Book Sale chairwoman Dot Moxcey said.
Booklovers come from surrounding counties and Alabama for the two annual sales, Moxcey said.
“People are so into this sale,” she said.
VIDEO: Here's what to expect from this weekend's book sale>>
And this weekend, they'll notice more variety. CDs, DVDs and VHS cassettes and jigsaw puzzles join hard-cover and paperback books. Book genres include cookbooks, fiction and non-fiction, children’s books, romances, large-print books, college textbooks, book sets, classics and history books, Moxcey said.
“Most books will be priced from 25 cents to $1,” she said. “All are in good-to-new condition.”
Previous book sales were held in the library’s main meeting room. As the event grew in size and popularity, books overflowed to the outdoor front porch.
After April's sale packed the available space, it became evident a new venue was needed, Friends President Rae Schwartz said.
“We’re disappointed that it’s not here at the library but we’re happy that it’s grown so much it had to move to a larger facility,” Library Director Jean Lewis said.
The sale's proceeds help fund large purchases not possible under the library’s tight financial constraints, Lewis said.
“They’ve bought computers, the mural, and two years ago, they did the Whiz Kid sculpture,” Lewis said. “Most of the things that enhance the beauty of the library, the Friends have purchased.”
Proceeds also help fund new book and e-book acquisitions, educational materials and public programs, Moxcey said.
Residents Bob and Gigi Allen have arranged piano entertainment by Crestview High School senior Morgan Seip for Friday evening’s “Early Bird Preview." The couple helped found the Friends of the Arts, which obtained and maintains the Warriors Hall grand piano on which Morgan will perform.
“Friday night is the best time to come,” Moxcey said. “We usually have 30 or 40 people waiting in line before we even open.”
Friday’s preview is $2 for non-members, but admission is free for Friends members. New members may join at the sale and receive free admission, Moxcey said. Individual memberships are $10; family membership is $15.
“Anyone that’s interested in helping out, the Friends would welcome them as members,” Lewis said.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: Friends of the Crestview Library Fall Book Sale
WHEN: 5-8 p.m. Oct. 3; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 4 and 5
WHERE: Warriors Hall, Whitehurst Municipal Building, 201 Stillwell Blvd., at Industrial Drive, Crestview
COST: $2 early bird entry on Friday, Oct. 3; free for Friends members
NOTES: Annual fall book and media sale benefiting the Friends of the Crestview Library. Proceeds help fund library equipment and programs. Friday’s Early Bird Preview includes live entertainment by pianist Morgan Seip.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Biggest-ever library book sale outgrows the library