Books sale raises funds for Olivedale Library

The volunteer group Friends of Olivedale Library (Fools) recently held a book sale and donated the funds to the library to add new books to the shelves.

The books were all second-hand and sold from as little as R10. The books were donated by the residents and sold to get new books for the libraries. The sale is held every three months.

Community members donate books when they no longer read them, are moving abroad, clearing out their homes, or simply want to share the joy of reading.

Fools secretary Eleanor Woodman explained that these donations not only come from local residents, but also from neighbouring libraries that lack a similar support network. Once these books arrive their journey begins.

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“Some of the families are donating because they do not have space in their home and depending on the books’ condition, we price them and store them. The money we make here we then give back to the librarians because they do not get enough money from the municipality.”

The donated books are first taken to the sorting room, awaiting examination. Members sort through each book, determining its next destination. The process is thorough and thoughtful, ensuring that every book finds its most suitable new home.

Some of the donated books are added directly to the library’s collection, enhancing the range and diversity of available titles. Others that are not integrated into the library’s collection are placed into the sale stock room, waiting for the next community book sale. Proceeds from these sales are reinvested into the library.

Residents came out in numbers to support the sale. Woodman said that they made more than R5 000.

“The sale and the support were very good; the money will go to [the] Fools’ account, and the librarians will decide on the books they will buy.”

ALSO READ: How your books go from donation to destination at the Olivedale Library