If you are looking for a good book, CD or DVD, then the 48th annual Friends of the Library Book Fair at Spreckels Park is a must attend event. This three-day extravaganza is open on Friday, April 20, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for members only, and to the public on Saturday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Marsi Steirer and Barbara Anderson are co-chairing the event this year, featuring more than 20,000 books, which is said to be one of the largest events of its kind in California. “We definitely have more books than last year,” says Steirer. There are gently used books of every genre including biographies, cookbooks, fiction and non-fiction, just to name a few. Paperbacks are a bargain at four for $1.00. Steirer guarantees that there is “something for the whole family, with children’s books, as well as unique and collectible books.” There are also individual DVDs and collections and thousands of CDs to choose from.
Steirer estimates that more than 250 volunteers are needed to pull together all aspects required for this charitable event, and they are still recruiting volunteers to help. This year, Boy Scout Troop 806 is pitching in to provide security for the event. The boys and their leaders will spend both Friday and Saturday nights and receive pizza dinner for their much appreciated efforts.
“We are thankful to the Navy for offering to have 40-50 of their personnel help with the more than 1000 boxes of books that need to be moved,” says Steirer. The books were previously housed on the Naval Base, but due to national policy changes, storage was moved more than a year ago to containers on city property near the School District offices.
Since the Book Fair is being held on Earth Day weekend, shoppers are encouraged to bring their own bags and boxes to take home their treasures. Purchases can be made with both cash and credit cards.
The Book Fair raises approximately $26,000, which is nearly half of the annual Friends of the Library budget. All proceeds from the Book Fair benefit the Coronado Public Library programs for children, teens and adults, including concerts, lectures, films, and reading programs.
The first book fair was held in 1970 in Jane Winn’s back yard, the same year the Coronado Public Library was established. The Friends of the Coronado Public Library (Friends) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support the Library. To become a member or for more information, visit www.CoronadoFOL.org.
