Book sale kicks off month for libraries

John Harlan finally got his "mini-book."

He's been a regular at the Columbia County Friends of the Libraries monthly "mini-book" sales, and has jokingly been seeking a "mini-book" to buy for a long time.

Until Saturday, the Friends of the Libraries had not had one to sell.

But this time, Eleanore Joos, the treasurer of Friends, was ready. She'd set aside a small book - about two inches by three inches - for Harlan at Warren C. Gibbs Memorial Library.

"After all this time, I've bought my first mini-book at a mini-book sale," he said.

The book was Mama, Get the Hammer by Barbara Johnson. Harlan bought it for 50 cents.

"I think I got a great deal," he said.

Joos said they have had a running gag about buying a mini-book.

"He's been asking me for a mini-book. That's the first one I've had," she said.

Norma Hickman, president of the Friends of Columbia County Libraries, said the sale of books always attracts people looking for bargains. Hardback books are sold for $1 and paperbacks for 50 cents, she said.

But Saturday's sale was a special one.

Library officials used Saturday's sale to help mark the start of Library Month. They also offered refreshments and displayed plans for the new main library to be built at the Government Center in Evans.

People donate the books to the library, which sells them to raise funds, she said.

"Today's special. We're having refreshments and we have the display" of the new library, Hickman said.

Other activities for Library Month include vacation reading, computer training, lectures on financial and health topics, a program of Japanese crafts for children, book discussions and story telling.

For times and dates, check the library branches or on the Web at www.calsnet.net/ecgrl.