The Woodland Public Library’s Friends of the Library (FOL) is reaching out to the community with an appeal for book donations while promoting its Bookshop, located in the library’s basement. This initiative aims to provide residents with access to a diverse selection of affordable books amidst rising living costs.
The FOL Bookshop features an extensive collection that includes genres such as fiction, mystery, cooking, history, and biographies. Additionally, there is a dedicated section for classics and award-winning titles, ensuring that readers of all ages and preferences can find something to enjoy. According to FOL Bookshop volunteer Karen Shepard, new donations arrive daily, but there are concerns that the influx may be slowing down.
In her letter, Shepard encourages the community to consider donating gently used books. The Bookshop accepts titles published from 2016 to the present, excluding encyclopedias, religious texts, and textbooks. Books that do not meet these criteria are repurposed; those published before 2016 are sent to Better World Books, which provides a modest stipend to the FOL while attempting to sell them online. Books in acceptable condition that do not fit the other categories are donated to Goodwill Industries.
The proceeds from the FOL Bookshop significantly contribute to funding special programs for both adults and children at the library. This community-centric initiative not only promotes literacy but also fosters a sense of togetherness among residents.
The Bookshop operates during regular library hours, making it accessible for those looking to explore the collection. Shepard invites residents to visit the shop and discover the variety of offerings, emphasizing that it is an excellent opportunity to find great reads without the added expense of tariffs often associated with online shopping.
For those interested in donating, books can be dropped off at the library during business hours. The FOL encourages individuals to consider their own book collections and contribute to this valuable community resource.
To learn more about the FOL and its initiatives, visit https://www.woodlandfol.org/. As Karen Shepard noted, “It’s a great program to support,” and the community is invited to join in enhancing the literary landscape of Woodland.
