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With books for loan and books for sale, Citizens Library is a bibliophile’s mecca.
In addition to having access to thousands of materials that can be borrowed, book lovers can purchase used books, CDs, DVDs and book gift baskets from CitiBooks.
Opened in 2011, the store, located in the lower level of the library at 55 S. College St., Washington, is operated by volunteers from Friends of the Library, a nonprofit that provides financial support to Citizens.
“It’s amazing how much money they make, especially out of that bookstore,” said Susan Martinelli, president of Citizens Library board of directors. “They’re not just giving us money, they’re giving us time.”
In 2016, CitiBooks earned more than $16,400. Combined with more than $15,852 in contributions, the Friends donated $32,279 to the library last year.
“They are really an integral part of keeping everything going,” Martinelli said. “The board can say, ‘Here’s what we need,’ and they pay for that.”
The nonprofit has been supporting the library since 1945. Contributions include carpeting, furniture, an outside book depository and support for the Mango language subscription and BookPage magazine.
The group also sponsors speakers and hosts events throughout the year.
Over six hours Saturday, CitiBooks volunteers brought in about $900 during a $5 bag sale.
“(The sale) really attracts people,” said Jenifer Fetcko, president of the Friends board. “It’s a big draw, and it clears the shelves for more books.”
All of the items are donated, and when a rare or valuable tome comes across their shelves, the Friends sell it online. Recent online sales netted $230.
Fetcko said that as libraries continue to provide vital services to the community, the donations are integral in keeping the library going.
“There are a lot of people who don’t have a laptop at home,” she said. “They come to the library to use the internet, to have a place to research … The library is very active. It’s not a place like, ‘Shh, be quiet.’ We supply all sorts of things that enhance the experience.”
Every year, CitiBooks grows in popularity.
“Sometimes, we’ll get really good current hardbacks and trade paperbacks,” Fetcko said. “I read ‘Girl on a Train’ when it came out, and that’s where I got it.”
Citizens Library director Diane Ambrose praised the volunteer organization’s efforts.
“The bookstore is an invaluable resource to the library,” she said in an email. “The bookstore profits are an integral component of the library’s budget and enable the library to purchase additional materials and staff.”
CitiBooks’ winter hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, visit www.washlibs.org/citizens/friends/. To volunteer at CitiBooks, email Friends at friendsofcitizenslibrary@gmail.com.