DEBORAH SULLIVAN
On the Shelves
It's no secret that I love books. They regularly make their way to my house from libraries, bookstores, friends and book sales. Maybe my bibliophile nature borders on addiction. But it's not an addiction where I am compelled to hide at home, unless I am reading of course.
Every time I venture out to one of my favorite book haunts, I quickly find that others with the same obsession. I think it stems from one inherent belief we share -- there is no such thing as having too many books.
We all know that our local York County libraries are great places to borrow books, but not everyone is aware that they are also venues to buy gently used books. Twelve of our 13 locations have some space dedicated to book sales. The prices are low, most items are $2 or less, and because of the turnover, there are usually new books each time one visits.
While surfing library book-sale shelves usually nets some great finds, going to sales where library supporters have accumulated hundreds or thousands of books and gathered them all in one place is nirvana.
I walked into Glatfelter Memorial Library's big book sale last month and spotted a copy of Louise L. Hay's book "You Can Heal Yourself." There it was, smack on top of a neatly stacked pile of books in a medium-sized box. I was just about to ask if the book was already taken by someone there when a young, 20-something man with dark brown hair came over to the box to sort through his finds. I chattedabout my love of Hay's books, happy to meet another like mind, and he generously offered it to me. I was thrilled.
People at book sales are often kind. Some people, when they come across a book they loved, will recommend it to those standing near, while others will be totally quiet, blissfully immersed digging through the accumulation of treasured vessels of thought.
It is easy to get lost in the stacks; time just slips away. I had no idea that I had been perusing books for almost three hours when I emerged from the Kaltreider-Benfer Library Book Nook moving sale in September. It was a fill-a-bag sale to lighten their move to a new location in Windsor. I was on my way to load eight bags of books into my car (they were a bargain, honest), when I passed a woman carrying a box of books.
Uncontrollably drawn to look, I saw a trade paperback of "The Wednesday Sisters" by Meg Waite Clayton teetering at the top of the box. The art was mesmerizing. Out of my mouth sprang the words, "that looks like a great book." She raved about it and -- I couldn't believe it -- handed it to me. What a great thing it is to share books with both strangers and friends.
Deborah Sullivan is community relations director for the York County Library System.
Upcoming salesMost of our York County libraries have ongoing mini book sales in their facilities year-round. Hours of operation and directions are available online at www.yorklibraries.org.
These libraries regularly sell books:
Arthur Hufnagel Public Library of Glen Rock, Collinsville Community Library, Dillsburg Area Public Library, Glatfelter Memorial Library, Guthrie Memorial Library - Hanover's Public Library, Kaltreider-Benfer Library, Kreutz Creek Valley Library Center, Martin Library, Mason-Dixon Public Library, Paul Smith Library of Southern York County, Red Land Community Library and Village Library.
Friends of the Library Book Sale -- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 21, Codorus Church of the Brethren, 1129 Dunkard Valley Rd., Dallastown. Part of the 25th Annual Christmastime in Loganville, proceeds benefit Village Library. Call 428-1034.Giant Book and Jewelry Sale: Stuff Your Bags! -- 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 21, 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 22, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 19 and 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 20 at Martin Library, Atrium, 159 E. Market St., York. Call 846-5300.
Stuff a standard-sized plastic grocery bag with everything for sale, except jewelry, for $5. The library will provide the bags, or bring your own.
Hand-crafted jewelry made by the Teen Advisory Board also will be for sale.
Holiday Book Sale -- 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 27, plus more hours through December, at Arthur Hufnagel Public Library of Glen Rock, 32 Main St., Glen Rock. 235-1127.
The sale runs through December during regular library hours and during the Holiday Train Show hours from 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays and 2 to 6 p.m. Saturdays.
Book sale -- noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 5, Clearview Elementary School, next to Collinsville Community Library, 2650 Delta Road, Brogue. 927-9014.
Held in conjunction with the Holiday Home Tour and silent auction.
Book sale -- Regular library hours, Dec. 5-12, at Red Land Community Library, 48 Robin Hood Drive, Etters. 938-5599.
>Uncontrollably drawn to look, I saw a trade paperback of "The Wednesday Sisters" by Meg Waite Clayton teetering at the top of the box. The art was mesmerizing. Out of my mouth sprang the words, "that looks like a great book." She raved about it and -- I couldn't believe it -- handed it to me. What a great thing it is to share books with both strangers and friends.
What a lovely moment. She is definitely a Wednesday Sister. I hope you enjoy the book!
:-)
Meg