Every spring the tents appear in Spreckels Park and the Flower Show comes to life.
People flock from all over the area for this event. But what of the tents next door? That is the Coronado Library’s Book Fair sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Many residents still are not aware of this event until they arrive on site. Here is a story to be told.
The year was 1969. A group of concerned citizens gatherer with the intent to assist the Coronado Library become an even better place. These were people from all walks of life with a common goal, the library. Thus, the Friends of the Library was formed. They worked together and in committees for gather used books, sort and categorize them, price them and finally store them for the next spring’s proposed book fair. That first event was held in the back yard and pool side at the Winn home on Margarita Avenue.
They raised several hundred dollars.
Each year thereafter the revenue increased as did the volume of used books donated. For some time those books were stored in the basement of the old library. When that was no longer available storage was provided at the Babcock Cottages, now the site of the police department complex. One year, while stored there, torrential rains came flooding the area damaging or destroying much of their collection. Once again they moved. This time to the empty garage of Barbara Anderson. Ultimately through joint efforts with the navy FOL was able to store the books on base in one of their unused warehouses. That is still our storage facility which will be emptied and delivered to the tents on Orange Avenue.
This year will offer over 40,000 used books for sale. Some 75 or more men, women and students will man the site in all areas from cashiers to greeters, membership desk to carry out assistance. Sunday evening upon closing down the last cash box, clean up begins, but not before the men and women of the navy helping close us get to choose books to take back to their ship. All books remaining are then loaded onto a flat bed truck and sent over to San Diego where another group, Mike Meaney and the San Diego Book Project, works to distribute those books to shelters, the Monarch School and varios other organizations. Nothing goes to waste. They truly have become a “green project”.
What of the Friends? Their goal is still the same – help the library in many ways. Board members have come and gone over the years. The base has broadened over time from raising funds by wine and cheese events, the book fair and now, Second Hand Prose, the used book shop behind the library. A forward thinking board has ventured into the Honor Shelves inside the main entrance of the library where one can purchase a paper back book for $1.00 or a few selected good magazines of fifty cents each. Now on line sales are available for their collection of sought after books. This year, for the first time, they hosted an evening fund raiser at the library.
And what of these funds? Many people do not know or perhaps never thought about where the money is put to use. A sizable check goes directly each year to the library to support various entities there. All of the events held at the Winn Room, concerts and lectures alike, are funded by the FOL. Some funds go to the Children’s Library as well as the Teen Library. Scholarships are funded, this year there will be three recipients. A library has been set up at the retirement village, books sent over from Second Hand Prose. These are just a few of a very active board’s endeavors.
Membership is affordable. $15 per year, $10 for Seniors/Students, Family $25. New Members are always welcome. One can join at the entrance of the Book Fair as well as renew a membership. Volunteers are always needed regardless of age or gender. For more information please visit us at our website.
