FOLEY — The Friends of the Foley Public Library’s annual Book Sale is now in the history books. And if turnout is an indication, it was a successful endeavor.

“They were lined up out the door when we opened at 9 this morning,” said Friends volunteer Marilyn Mosely in an interview at the sale housed at the Foley Civic Center on Friday.

By 9:30 a.m. Friday, the crowd was estimated to be more than 200. For their diligence, attendees perused thousands of books, CDs and DVDs that were either donated to Friends or purchased at book-store closings.

“I try to make two book sales a year, wherever they are,” said Mac Fife of Indiana. “This is one of the best ones.”

That’s because the offerings can be purchased for anywhere from 50 cents to $2. According to Friends President Robert Keen, the proceeds are put to use.

“It all goes to the library,” he said.

In previous years, those proceeds have equipped Foley Public Library with new audio-visual equipment, computer equipment and furniture for patron use.

“It’s great to see people supporting their own library,” Keen said.

The annual sale, which spanned Thursday evening to Saturday afternoon, has been the Friends’ largest fundraiser for more than a decade. According to Friends members, it’s a labor of love.

“This is all volunteer,” Keen said of those bringing the event about. “None of this is paid staff.”

According to Friends member Beverly Wood, making the three-day event a reality is a year-round event. That’s because the thousands of books that are acquired are sorted to ensure they’re saleable. During that time-consuming process, they are housed at Azalea Avenue Storage.

But some of those books don’t have to wait until February to see the light of day. Friends also holds a periodic book store in a designated room at the Foley Public Library.

For more information about the annual sale, book store or Friends of Foley Library, call Mary Adams at 251-949-6174. For more information about Foley Public Library, visit www.FoleyLibrary.org.

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