Bibliophiles, avid readers and library supporters are invited to fill up with bags of books at the annual Friends of the Turlock Public Library book sale, which opens Thursday night.
The three-day event begins with a membership only night from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, with memberships sold at the door. The public sale will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The book sale will be at the First United Methodist Church at 1600 Arbor Way in Turlock.
The annual book sale is a major fundraiser for the Friends of the Turlock Public Library, which uses the money to pay for programs and materials that benefit the local library branch. Past years have brought in thousands of dollars that help the library fund children's programs, purchase new books and other materials, pay for periodical subscriptions, and pay for furniture replacement.
Hardbound books are generally $1 and paperbacks will cost $.50. Children's books are priced at $.50 and $.25. Rare and book sets will vary in price.
Attendees are encouraged to fill up their arms with books to not only support the library, but also because there will not be a book sale next year. The Turlock Library expansion plan is set to begin this spring and the branch will be closed for the duration of the construction project. Because of the closure, the Friends group will not have a site to collect the books throughout the year.
“Our annual book sale has enabled the Friends of the Turlock Public Library to bring hundreds of children’s programs as well as support to the library over the years,” said FOTPL President Pat Portwood. “Now the proceeds will go towards making our new library exceptional. We are so excited to have a new library in 2021, which means we will not have a book sale for this coming year. But not to worry, we believe this popular fundraiser will return.”
In November 2019, the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors approved an improvement project for the Turlock library. The project will be both an expansion and renovation of the current facility on Minaret Avenue. The library will be closed during construction, though a pop-up option will be open in the Turlock Senior Center’s music room. The pop-up branch will primarily be used for people picking up requested materials. The book drop outside the library will remain and be checked routinely for returned items.
