Good use of folks otherwise sitting on their keisters in jail.
If you're in the neighborhood stop by and take some home.
Books, not prisoners. Heh.
Public Library prepares for book sale
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2009 Friends of the Library Book Sale
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: New Braunfels Civic Convention Center, 375 Castell Ave.
Cost: No admission charge; most titles $2 or less
Comal County jail inmates are providing muscle for the move of 30,000 books from the public library to the New Braunfels Civic Convention Center. They are on loan Monday and Tuesday as part of a community involvement initiative by the Sheriff’s office.
The inmates, classified as low-risk, are given a chance to get some fresh air and stretch their legs as they perform daily tasks for non-profit groups like Friends of the Library.
Library volunteers have been sorting the 30,000 books for weeks in preparation for this weekend’s book sale, but loading them and unloading them was a daunting task for the woman.
“We couldn’t do it without them,” said Friends of the Library volunteer, Nancy Ament. “They were very courteous.”
The Friends provided thanks in the form of homemade cookies.
“It feels good (to help),” said inmate Nick Flowers. “It’s a nice day and it’s for a good cause.”
Fellow book sale committee members Ruth Wendel and Sherry Koerth joined Ament in supervising the transfer of the books to the New Braunfels Civic Center Monday afternoon as they enjoyed the cool weather and sunshine.
This weekend, thousands of books, priced between $1 and $2, will be available at the 2009 Friends of the Library Book Sale Friday and Saturday.
Now in its 20th year, the book sale has become a big draw for readers of all ages. The funds benefit the library. Past proceeds funded a “teen corner,” dramatic performances at the library and summer reading programs for adults, teens and children.
Organizers say titles will be available in almost every genre, including children’s books, teen and adult fiction, cooking manuals, history and reference books.
In addition, CDs, audio and videotapes and magazines will be for sale.
“This year, there will be more children’s books than ever before,” said Vickie Hocker, Friends volunteer.
The 2008 book sale raised over $20,000.
“We’re hoping to do better this year,” said Ament.
