MONROE - Monroe Public Library has had book sales in the past, but the sale starting at noon today, and running for two weeks, may be the monster of them all.
Nearly 20,000 out-dated and well-worn copies - about a third of the library's book collection - will go on sale to make room for replacement copies and new selections.
In the library staff's efforts to plan and budget, "we can't see what we have with the things to be gotten rid of," said Suzann Holland, the library's director.
The book shelves at the library are bulging at the seams, and some books are not being checked out anymore, said Kris Ault, coordinator for youth services.
"Children's books, especially, have to be attractive, or they just don't take them off the selves," she added.
New copies of old favorites will be purchased, but some books will not be replaced.
"In the grand scheme of things, people go online for information, and print is not used much," said Anita Huffman, a member of the library board of trustees.
Interlibrary loans are easier now, too.
"This was a loaning library," said Huffman, "but now smaller libraries around us aren't asking for as much. There isn't the demand as in the past."
Holland said the focus of libraries is changing.
"Libraries used to be considered warehouses for books, but now we have community gatherings and offer services, such as how to use computers," she said.
The library also has already entered the e-book era, with electronic readers available for loan.
"But books will always be a part of us," she added.
The extra costs of rejuvenating the collection will be paid for in part from proceeds of the sale and donations, including a generous donation of a past library patron, Ronald Aebly, officials said.
"We have a great staff and board and community to help with rehabilitating the collection, Holland said. "We are lucky to have donated funds - it's not possible without them."
The book sale will be held in the Aebly Reading Room on the main floor of the library during regular library hours. Because of the massive amount of books for sale, the shelves will be refilled daily. And in the last three days of the sale, any remaining books will be sold for a dollar per dozen.
Regularly scheduled children's programs - including Babytime with Grandma Carol; Toddler Time; and Stories and More for Pre-schoolers - will continue during the book sale.
Information about the book sale can be found at www.monroepubliclibrary.org
Nearly 20,000 out-dated and well-worn copies - about a third of the library's book collection - will go on sale to make room for replacement copies and new selections.
In the library staff's efforts to plan and budget, "we can't see what we have with the things to be gotten rid of," said Suzann Holland, the library's director.
The book shelves at the library are bulging at the seams, and some books are not being checked out anymore, said Kris Ault, coordinator for youth services.
"Children's books, especially, have to be attractive, or they just don't take them off the selves," she added.
New copies of old favorites will be purchased, but some books will not be replaced.
"In the grand scheme of things, people go online for information, and print is not used much," said Anita Huffman, a member of the library board of trustees.
Interlibrary loans are easier now, too.
"This was a loaning library," said Huffman, "but now smaller libraries around us aren't asking for as much. There isn't the demand as in the past."
Holland said the focus of libraries is changing.
"Libraries used to be considered warehouses for books, but now we have community gatherings and offer services, such as how to use computers," she said.
The library also has already entered the e-book era, with electronic readers available for loan.
"But books will always be a part of us," she added.
The extra costs of rejuvenating the collection will be paid for in part from proceeds of the sale and donations, including a generous donation of a past library patron, Ronald Aebly, officials said.
"We have a great staff and board and community to help with rehabilitating the collection, Holland said. "We are lucky to have donated funds - it's not possible without them."
The book sale will be held in the Aebly Reading Room on the main floor of the library during regular library hours. Because of the massive amount of books for sale, the shelves will be refilled daily. And in the last three days of the sale, any remaining books will be sold for a dollar per dozen.
Regularly scheduled children's programs - including Babytime with Grandma Carol; Toddler Time; and Stories and More for Pre-schoolers - will continue during the book sale.
Information about the book sale can be found at www.monroepubliclibrary.org