WESTFIELD-“The Room of Curiosities” is a new feature at the Friends of the Westfield Athenaeum’s annual book sale which organizers hope will help the group set a record of raising $10,000.
“New this season is a collection of antique and collectible prints and posters, 19th and early 20th century maps of western Massachusetts towns, old postcards, photographs and ephemera and lots of vinyl records and audio cassettes,” said Bill Westerlind of the Friends group. “This room will feel like a treasure hunt.”
Westerlind said that prices on the collectibles will vary based on condition and availability.
The 20th annual spring book sale is the Friends’ largest fundraising event and proceeds raised support free programs and services offered by the Athenaeum that are not funded by the library’s regular operating budget.
“The summer reading programs, for example, fully funded by the Friends group, serve over 1,000 children and hundreds of adults in Westfield and the surrounding communities,” said Westerlind. “This program would not be available if not for the fundraising efforts of the Friends. We love our library and are passionate about supporting all it has to offer our community.”
Westerlind added that the book sale offers residents an “opportunity to recycle books” they have accumulated over the years and ensure those “cherished books” get into the hands of other people who equally share their love of books and reading.
Currently, the Friends are still in need of books in good, sellable condition, and gently used children’s books are especially needed for the “Children’s Boutique” area. Donors are reminded the Friends do not accept magazines, Readers Digest condensed books, text books, or encyclopedias.
“Since storage space is so limited at the library, our objective over the past two years is to collect donations as close to the sale set-up dates as possible,” said Westerlind.
Members of the Friends will be at the Athenaeum during regular library hours on April 9, 11-13, to collect and categorize all donations.
“Drop off shopping bags of books or trucks full of books, we’ll have the staff on hand to process the donations,” said Westerlind.
Between now and April 8, the library staff can accept small donations of books, however, if anyone has a sizable donation, call the library to make arrangements for a Friends member to be available to take in the items.
“The Friends will do pickups too,” said Westerlind. “Please call the library at 568-7833 and we’ll make special arrangements to pick up books for the sale.”
Spring book sale days are April 14, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., April 15, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and April 16 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Items on sale in the Lang Auditorium will range in price from $1 for hardcover books and trade paperbacks to as low as four for $1 for some of the paperback books and children’s titles.
“Some other new looks to the sale this year include accepting payments,” said Westerlind, adding that VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express will be welcomed at the sale.
Another addition will be the Café Under the Stairs coffee shop, staffed and run by the library’s Teen Advisory Board (TAB), on April 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Monica Hannoush of the Shortstop Grill will mentor the TAB group, help them set up their café, and provide an educational experience in the food service industry,” said Westerlind.
Preview night, slated April 13, will be open to current Friends of the Westfield Athenaeum members from 4 to 8 p.m. before the sale opens to the public.
“Membership forms will be available on preview night for anyone wishing to renew their membership or join the Friends as a new member that evening,” said Westerlind.
A “new twist” on preview night is all educators will be able to shop the sale along with Friends members.
“We recognize that many teachers shop our sale, using their personal funds to buy books for their classrooms,” said Westerlind. “To assist them in their pursuit of excellence for their students, we welcome all educators to preview night. We’ll have a special shopping certificate for them as well that evening.”
Westerlind added that educators will have to show a form of school identification at the door to attend preview night.
Westerlind also noted that many individuals including board members are active in the execution of the book sale.
“Robert Hallivan has been instrumental in collecting donations for the sale and physically executing the set up of the Lang and the Room of Curiosities, which is Robert’s brainchild,” said Westerlind.
Westerlind also acknowledged Alicia Hansen, Joan Machacek and Helene Calvanese for teaming up to organize the volunteers to staff the event.
“Alicia developed an online scheduling tool so folks interested in volunteering to work the sale could go online and select the shifts that worked for them,” said Westerlind.
Also working behind the scenes included Kathy Millas on publicity and signing, and Art Sousa who plays a key role in setting up the sale and taking it down.
“Art is building several new A-frame type sidewalk signs for us to promote the sale,” said Westerlind. “These are just a few of the many board members who’ve worked tirelessly to ensure the book sale happens year after year.”
