Annual Chattanooga Public Library sale a mecca for readers

Charlene Kirn arranges books for the Friends of the Chattanooga Public Library book sale at the former Piccadilly location at Hamilton Place Mall on April 29, 2015
Charlene Kirn arranges books for the Friends of the Chattanooga Public Library book sale at the former Piccadilly location at Hamilton Place Mall on April 29, 2015

In the former Piccadilly Cafeteria space at Hamilton Place mall, Marla Gilbert wandered amid aisles of tables draped in black or burgundy cloth and stacked with a wealth of well-worn books.

She was searching for children's books and books that illustrate how people dressed during Civil War days. She uses the information when practicing her hobby of crafting dolls and doll houses.

This was Gilbert's second trip in two days to the annual Friends of the Library book sale; she bought $71 worth of books on Saturday, the sale's first day.

"One of the greatest things there is to have is a library," Gilbert said.

The annual sale continues through Sunday during regular mall hours. Proceeds support Chattanooga Public Library programs, such as a blockbuster party to celebrate the end of the children's summer reading program, which supplies free books to participants.

The book sale has paid for new furniture for the South Chattanooga Library, professional development for library staff and has helped put 3-D printers in libraries.

Book lovers can stock their shelves at a tiny fraction of the cost of new books. Friends of the Library Chairman William Sundquist said prices start at 50 cents and go up to about $2. Religion, politics, mysteries and self-improvement books are among the identified categories separating books in the store.

"The book sale is a great place to buy a book for not much money," Sundquist said.

The stock includes 15,000 to 20,000 books, CDs, DVDs and even vinyl records donated for the sale. On the final day, shoppers can fill paper sacks for just $5.

Willard McCullough of Chattanooga stood on Sunday near a sign marked Home Improvement. He's a Chattanooga Public Library fan.

"The atmosphere is peaceful," he said.

Chris Hockert, a Friends of the Library member, was assisting customers. She said the Friends group provides funding for activities and supplies not in the city's budget. And working with Friends of the Library allows her to give back in return for the benefits she has received from the library, Hockert said.

During her childhood, her family went to the library because they didn't have money to buy books or go anywhere else for entertainment.

These days, the library is a destination for youth whether they have money or not, she said.

Instead of a hushed space where people only whisper, it's become a place where arts and crafts, movies and group discussions are available as well as books, said Hockert.

Contact staff writer Yolanda Putman at yputman@timesfreepress.com or 757-6431.

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