Did you know that the Great Bend Public Library has a “Friends of the Library” group that helps support our programs and mission? The most visible aspect of the Friends group is the annual library book sale, which is coming up this month, Oct. 20-23. The book sale will be held in the library’s lower-level meeting room, and tables will be set up with thousands of books for your browsing pleasure. 

The sale will be open during regular library hours Saturday through Tuesday: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20; 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 21; and 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Monday & Tuesday, Oct. 22-23. Prices for hardcover books will be $1 each, and paperback books will be $0.50 each. Books will be sorted by genre to help you find the subjects that interest you most. High-demand items will go quickly, so be sure to stop by the library as early as you can to get the best picks. Of course, you can also stop by later in the sale for even greater bargains. 

Monday, Oct. 22 all items will be half price, and on Tuesday, Oct. 23 you may fill up an entire bag of books in exchange for a donation. Don’t miss this chance to expand your bookshelves for a bargain price!

The Friends of the Library Group does much more than just run the annual book sale, however. The mini-bookstore inside the library is managed by the group, and donations from the Friends group have funded many library needs throughout 2018. For example, the group helped sponsor two children’s summer library programs, bought new computer chairs for the public use computers, and helped fund teen crafting supplies, as well as the grand prize and smaller prizes for the adult summer library program. In addition, the Friends group is committed to advocacy and activities to promote library awareness and programs throughout the community. The Friends group meets monthly and would love to have new members that are excited about the library and community outreach. If you are interested in joining or learning more, contact the library or send an email message to gbplfriends@gmail.com.

For more information on any other library events, programs, or resources, check out our website (www.greatbendpl.info), send us an email (gbcirc@greatbendpl.info), or call the front desk (620-792-2409). You can also “like” and follow GBPL on Facebook. There you will find posters and flyers for upcoming events, plus photos and videos from library activities and an archive of previous “Book Nook” articles.

Michael Adamyk is the Marketing and Technical Services Manager at the Great Bend Public Library. He can be reached by email at gbcirc@gmail.com.