Looking for literature

It's a problem Russ Holloman has been happy to see in Columbia County.

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With the success of the Friends of Columbia County Libraries' monthly book sales, the need for more donations of used books from county residents has increased.

"They have been just very successful," said Holloman, president of the Friends. "We were so successful up through October that we just sold out of books, literally."

Lately, the Friends have been building their stock back up, but more books could be used.

"We just try to have an adequate supply of books to put on the shelves out there in the lobby for display," Holloman said.

The monthly book sale takes place at Gibbs Library and offers to the public donated hardback books for $1 and paperbacks for 50 cents. It's an effort to raise money for the Columbia County Library Fund, which assists with renovations to existing libraries and the construction of a new library in Evans.

"The library foundation has been able to provide money for the new Harlem Library," Holloman said. "It's a complete renovation up there."

The book sales have been offered the first Saturday of each month all year long. So far, the sales have raised $20,000, Holloman said.

The next sale will be Saturday, and donations can be made at Gibbs Library. Holloman said all books will be accepted, but certain ones have proved easier to sell.

"We've learned that encyclopedias and National Geographics don't sell very well," he said.

Children's books also have been hits.

"We're always pleased when we have a lot of children's books and see the children with their parents come in and get them," Holloman said.

Book donations will be tax deductible, and a receipt will be given.