Book Sale Generates Record Support

Photo by By Catherine Cluett Pactol

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

For the first time since before the pandemic, the Friends of Molokai Public Library held a book sale last Thursday, generating record income for the organization.

The Friends of the Library — a nonprofit that provides support to the library beyond that provided by the state to enrich the community library experience — decided to accept donations for books instead of setting prices at the sale, according to Book Sale Chairman Rita Woods. She said the afternoon event generated more than $1,000, a record for the sale.

“The FOL raises money for projects and expenditures not covered by the State Library system and has been able to purchase furniture for the new children’s room, our awesome expansion, new upholstery for cushions, and much more,” said Woods. “The Book Sales generate income and we have never been disappointed by the response of the Molokai community. We had a steady stream of shoppers, volunteers and so many visitors who shared how impressed they were with our community aloha.”

The sale was held in the courtyard around the Hina statue next to the library, and adjacent to the library’s new addition, which is nearing completion. The $3 million expansion project, funded by the state Department of Accounting and General Services, will offer additional much-needed space for library services, a growing collection of books and programs, a meeting room, staff workroom and restrooms, according to plans set in 2018.

Woods said the extension is anticipated to open soon.