Successful Book Sale Helps Pave Way for Library Move

Editor's Note: The following was submitted by Diane Parazin, President of the Friends of the .

In spite of a storm that dumped several inches of snow in Westwood, the Friends of the Library raised $1,500 dollars at its recent one-day book sale on Saturday, Jan. 21.  

The sale saw more than 1,000 books sold and helped clear the Friends storeroom in anticipation of the move to the new library. 

“The sale was a remarkable success,” said Book Sale Chair Felicity Botwinik. “Thousand of titles found a new home and we were able to pare down our inventory of books to a bare minimum to make our relocation as easy as possible.”

Botwinik explained that the remaining books have been handpicked and are of high quality. They will be offered on the group’s book-nook sales shelves at both the main and branch libraries.

“We have a variety of great vacation reads for those heading out of town during the February break,” said Botwinik. “We also have quite a few popular children’s titles as well as books on art and cookery.”

The January one-day book sale was the Friends’ last before the library closes in April, Botwinik said.  

“We will no longer be accepting book donations," she said. "Please hold onto any books you may have until the fall when we hope to begin stocking up for our first-ever book bonanza in the new library.” 

Books were not the only items sold at the Friends book sale. Raffle tickets were also available for purchase. Hopefuls bid on a basket of mystery books by town resident and best-selling author, Jan Brogan.

The winner of the basket was Al Fusco of Pine Lane.

“Attending the book sale was a fantastic opportunity to not only acquire quality books, but also support our town library in the process,” Fusco said. “The library enriches our town, provides our boys with vast resources for learning, and has created many memorable moments, such as the story-time sessions and elementary school art displays.”

The money earned at the Friends of the Library Book Sale supports important library programs, including book purchases, technology upgrades, authors’ visits, children’s activities and museum passes.