The Friends of the Library will host a book sale at the East Regional Library in Destrehan May 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and May 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Books are priced between 50 cents and $2, and proceeds will benefit the St. Charles Parish library system. The event is cash or check only.
Lauren Campo Pitz, assistant director of the library, said a variety of books will be available, including cookbooks, history, general fiction, romance, home improvement, arts and crafts, fantasy, mystery and religion. DVDs and audiobooks may also be available.
“There is usually an area for children and teens, and there may be signed copies of books and first editions,” Pitz said.
The books for sale were donated to the Friends of the Library, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting, advocating for and raising funds for the St. Charles Parish Library.
“The Friends of the St. Charles Library uses the money raised at their book sales to sponsor special library programs, and also to purchase items to enhance library buildings and services,” Pitz said. “Patrons can donate gently used books–hardcover and paperback–and DVDs at any St. Charles Parish Library location and we will get them to the Friends.”
The Friends of the Library began hosting book sales and other fundraisers when it became a nonprofit in 1995. About five years ago, the group hosted its first spring book sale at the East Regional Library. It hosts a fall book sale at the Book Nook next to the Hahnville branch.
This year’s event will also include a food drive organized by Matthew 25:35 Food Pantry. Every customer or volunteer who donates three nonperishable items will receive a ticket for a door prize drawing.
The Ochsner Blood Bank will host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot of the library during the May 15 sale, and the German Coast Farmers Market will take place on May 16 during the sale.
Pitz said she is looking forward to watching people look through everything for sale and walk out with a stack of books.
“It is especially heartwarming to see kids get so excited about being able to pick out books for themselves,” she said.