Friends group pulls off first book sale

Last Saturday, book lovers enjoyed a highly anticipated event: the first Friends of the Valley Library used-book sale. Volunteers, who’d worked hard for this moment, were delighted to see the large turnout.

But wandering among the crowd was a despicable predator. Around midday, volunteers transferred $900 in cash and a few checks to a secure, well-hidden place. This thief must have been quite experienced; in the hubbub, he or she managed to find and steal the money, leaving the Friends with only $573 in sales profit.

By now the thief has likely smoked, injected or otherwise wasted the money our community gave to its library.

“It’s a terrible shame,” said Ellen Miller, Valley Library manager. “There should be no blame toward any of the Friends volunteers. Everything was well setup. The district has had library sales for years and this is the first time this has happened. We’re reviewing safety and security measures, and those who wrote checks should contact their banks for advice.”

When bad happens amid great good, we tend to focus our attention and anger on the bad. I’d like to highlight the good.

Nine months ago, a Friends of the Library group formed in Spokane Valley. Ours was the only district library without a Friends group and having one has been a longtime wish. Larry and Mayo Sayrs, Ellen Miller and John Snediker collaborated to start the group. Several citizens signed on at the library’s open house last spring.

The Friends generate interest in the library and support its goals in meeting community needs. They raise funds for materials, sponsor special library programs, and participate in Valleyfest and other public events.

“Friends enhance what the library is able to do for the community,” said Miller.

This sale was the first Friends fund-raising event, planned and worked on for nine months, in consultation with other experienced Friends groups. The Sayrses, Lois Harger, Mary Ellen Thompson and Ev Brookbank did most of the work, with the Sayrses’ picking up tons of donated books, then all sorting, boxing and storing them along with those brought to the library. They advertised the sale, printed fliers and rented extra tables. Some expenses came out of the Sayrses’ pockets (the group didn’t even have a bank account yet).

Eleven Friends and volunteers helped set up and 14 worked during the sale, assisted by four Central Valley High students doing community service.

Arriving to help on Friday, I was amazed at the huge selection of neatly arranged books, with Larry Sayrs continually bringing in more on a hand truck. More than 6,000 books were donated.

On Saturday morning, Harger said, “people waited outside in a long line, some carting boxes in expectation. When the doors opened, they stormed through!”

Overheard were comments such as, “Wow! Look at all these books!” “Great selection!” and “When’s the next sale?” Some browsed, while others hunted for specific books; many rejoiced at finding old favorites. Children were thrilled with their section, which included favorite authors. Both turnout and sales far exceeded expectations.

People gave generously. One family donated 800 books and came to buy more; a gentleman paid $25 for a $3 purchase. Folks dropped change and $5 and $10 bills in the donation jar.

There’s been an outpouring of sympathy from the community and some City Council members. Valley citizens have been donating money to help make up for Saturday’s losses.

Contact the library for information on ways to support the Friends, such as joining the group, attending free movie nights at which the Friends are selling inexpensive popcorn and drinks, and helping with the next book sale – several strong young people would be most appreciated!

Many have expressed disgust over the increasingly brazen thievery at traditionally safe places such as church choir rooms, schools and now the library. Such ugly incidents mustn’t rule us, however, because there always will be evil predators among us. But they’re far outnumbered by the kind, caring people who give so much to enhance our community.

Such folks made the first Valley Friends of the Library sale, as Miller said, “a huge success.”