Books Everywhere You Look This Weekend

Thinking your bookshelf is a little bare? Need a good read for spring break? 

The Friends of the Reston Regional Library’s semi-annual book sale will be held Thursday through Sunday at

Well over 50,000 books have been donated to the sale. The meeting rooms are organized and  tables of books are spilling over into the hallway.

The book sale is an all-volunteer effort that supports the Reston Regional Library, says book sale chair Charly Karlsson.

 More than 20 volunteers have spent hours sorting the donated books and preparing them for sale, says Karlsson. An additional group of volunteers will be on hand all weekend helping customers and replenishing the tables. If you visit the sale on Thursday afternoon, you may see Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins at the check out table.

A special  section has books that are unique, rare or have some other particular value; the prices for those books are higher.

 Kelley Westenhoff, Friends of the Reston Regional Library publicity chair, said some of the most interesting items for sale include a bound set of Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper from 1860, another set of New York Illustrated News from 1856 and some classic fashion magazine’s from 1909.

Andrew Pendergrass, branch manager at , said that through the success of the Friends group fundraising efforts, the library staff is allowed to "think creatively about the needs of our patrons.” 

For instance, recently money raised by the group allowed the library to establish a young adult area, with seating and lighting for teens.  New furniture is being considered for much of the library, made possible by the support of the Friends, and the success of their fundraising efforts.  

We are always able to “fund what the branch manager requests,” said Westenhoff, “and we hope to continue to go beyond those requests and fill other needs.”

In addition, to the Branch manager’s list, the book sales have allowed the Friends to accumulate capital for larger donations to the library, including e-books. They also anticipate a time when they’ll be able to assist with details when the time comes for library renovation.

Every library has different challenges and needs.

“Here, we strive to make everyone welcome to use the library,” said Westenhoff.

The Book Sale runs through the weekend. Any unsold books will be shared with local non-profit groups. Shortly after the sale, donations be accepted again and the Friends of the Reston Regional Library will start preparing for their next sale.

For more information about the book sale, becoming a Friends of the Reston Regional Library member or volunteer, or about donations, please visit the Friends of the Reston Regional Library website.