After an estimated 6,500 books were donated from community members parting with reads from their shelves, hundreds of people came to the Rye Free Reading Room’s Annual Book Sale, on Saturday and Sunday, September 14 and 15, 2024. Visitors browsed for bargain-priced used books while supporting the library.
Families enjoyed hunting for literary treasures among well-organized stacks both inside the library and on the Village Green. With most books costing under $3, many attendees left with armloads of books for all ages. The massive effort to collect, sort, and display the books was coordinated by the library’s staff along with Auxiliary Board event Co-Chairs Molly Boyle and Jessica Grundberg.
Molly commented, “The Book Sale is one of our key fundraisers of the year. Thanks to the hard work of the library staff, volunteers from our Auxiliary Board, and students from Rye schools, we’re thrilled to call it another success.” By the close of the weekend, the event raised a record-breaking $15,000 to support future library programs and services. Any leftover books were donated to over a dozen charities and hospitals, extending the impact of the sale beyond the community.
Library Director Chris Shoemaker added, “Our Annual Book Sale has become a beloved event for the community. Each donated and purchased book helps support the library’s mission and contributes to enhancing services for Rye residents.”