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Community Corner

Used Book Sales Help Fund Dexter Library Programs

Friends of the Dexter District Library raised almost $14,000 through the book sales last year.

Dexter resident Carrie Carreon and her children, Luke and Sarah, enjoy visiting the regularly to check out books and attend programs.

On Saturday, they were on a double mission to see the student artwork show from Dexter Community Schools and to buy inexpensive books as part of the Friends of the Dexter District Library used book sale.

"We're looking for chapter books," Carreon said. "We like to come because it is inexpensive, and the kids can browse themselves."

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Luke said the last time he came to the library, he checked out a book about dogs, while his sister had gotten one about Amelia Earhart.

On Saturday, Sarah's eye was on a book called Four Stupid Cupids.

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"It's kind of seasonal," Carreon joked.

The used book sales usually occur once a month, and books sell for between 25 cents and $1. 

Susie Naperstek, one of the 115 Friends of the Dexter District Library, is in charge of the monthly sale.

She said about 3,000 books, mostly donated by local patrons, were available at Saturday's sale.

"We're choosy about what we put out for sale," she said. "The tattered, musty, mildewed book doesn't go out on the floor." 

She said she has been reorganizing the book sale with six new rolling carts that the Friends purchased for the library.

"We want it to look more like a retail store than a rummage sale," she said.

Those who want to donate books may bring them to the library.

"Last year, we made almost $14,000," Naperstek said. 

Proceeds from the sale go toward funding various library projects, including the summer reading program and a new Ellison die-cut machine. Sales also paid for the $15,000 adult quiet room, complete with a fireplace. 

Michael Aatze, treasurer for the group, said the sales are a lot of fun to put on.

"It is very rewarding to see these children come in," he said. 

Naperstek said the sales are a great way for people to get reasonably priced books for gifts. 

Marcia Rankin of Dexter, who was visiting with her grandson Patrick Kaercher, said they often come to the book sales to browse the selections.           

"Sometimes we come weekly (to the library)," she said. "You never know what treasures you're going to find."

For more information on the Friends of the Dexter District Library, visit the Friends page online.

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