Sequim Gazette staff

Once a month, book lovers line up for a chance at some local treasures.

Thousands of books, movies, albums and more are prepared each week for the monthly masses at the monthly sale.

For the first time this new year, the Friends of Sequim Library hosts its upcoming book sale 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12.

Back in December, patrons lined up outside the sale said they’ve found all kinds of great books inside, such as art books, music books and movies.

“The best part is the prices,” one patron said.

All funds raised from the sale support the children’s summer reading program, wish-list items in the Sequim Library and a fund for future expansion of the library.

For a few years, the Friends of the Library’s revenue has been flat at about $36,000 a year.

Kate Adams, past president of the Friends, said people tell her they own a Kindle or a Nook but they still come to the sale.

Although the profit might be flat each month, Liz Phelps, current president, said the book sale inside with 50-cent paperbacks and $1 hardbacks continues to be a big hit. Donations remain up, too, but organizers encourage people to donate different types of books.

“It’d be nice if people were more conscious of the books they bring in,” Adams said.

Fiction books are in ample supply but don’t sell well, Adams said.

Children’s bedtime books and nonfiction remain a hot commodity and cookbooks and art and gardening books remain popular, too.

“Please don’t bring us things you would take to the trash,” Phelps said.

Damaged and unsalable items often are recycled. Older materials are turned away, such as encyclopedias, computer and health books older than 2000 and Reader’s Digest condensed books.

All donated magazines are given away.

“Really, it’s about keeping the quality high,” Adams said. “This is all about community service.”

To add another element to the sale, organizers invite Jessica Hernandez, owner/operator of the Crave Cart, to participate each month selling hot food and drinks.

Hernandez, by day a medical editor, said she does the cart for fun. She’s looking to participate more in similar events around the community. A percentage of her sales goes to the Friends group.

For more information on the Crave Cart, contact Hernandez at cravecart@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/cravecart.

Membership in the Friends of Sequim Library is $10 per person, $20 for a family and $20 for businesses. New members receive a reusable shopping bag for joining and a quarterly newsletter.

To volunteer, call Adams at 683-4439.

The Friends holds its annual meeting 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, in Pioneer Memorial Park, 387 E. Washington St. Storyteller Mitch Luckett spins a few yarns for the crowd and officers are elected for the New Year.

For more information, e-mail friendsofsequimlibrary@gmail.com or send mail to “Friends of Sequim Library” at P.O. Box 1011, Sequim, WA 98382.