Free Daily Headlines

News

Set your text size: A A A

Friends of Library opens bookstore

The new Friends of the Library bookstore, at 1940 Spartanburg Highway, is open from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

By Lightning Reports, Published: November 30, 2020

For the first time in its 64-year history, the Friends of the Henderson County Public Library has opened a bookstore.

In the pre-pandemic past, the Friends raised about $100,000 a year through two huge book sales. Proceeds from the sales supported the library system and branches by buying books and equipment and sponsoring special programs. Unfortunately, because of the coronavirus, both sales were cancelled this year.
The new bookstore is in the same building where the sales were held – 1940 Spartanburg Highway (next to Dollar General). The bookstore is open from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
The public is welcome. Members of the Friends get a 10 percent discount on all purchases all year long. (Shoppers can join the Friends at the bookstore.) Anyone can donate books, CDs and DVDs at the store, but only during the hours it is open.
“We are very excited about the new store,” said Jan Aplin, a long-time Friends volunteer and the new bookstore manager. “We had a limited opening starting on Oct. 13, and we have seen a steady stream of customers ever since.”
As with the book sales, everything at the bookstore is in excellent condition. Books are shelved by author or subject so they are easy to find, and books are restocked throughout the week. The store also sells CDs and DVDs.
The bookstore follows health guidelines. Anyone entering must wear a mask and practice social distancing once inside the building. Hand sanitizers are available. When the store is busy, shopping is limited to 30 minutes.
Except for the bookstore manager, the Friends is an all-volunteer organization. There is a need for more volunteers to help at the bookstore. It is a great way to interact with people who love reading and recognize the importance of a vibrant, up-to-date library system to the community.
To learn more about the bookstore and volunteering email bookstore@fotl.info,
call 828-513-5115) or visit fotl.info.