Redlands, CA.   The Friends of the A.K. Smiley Public Library will hold a special Children’s Better Book Sale on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm prior to the dress rehearsal at the Redlands Bowl of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. 

“What better time to host a Children’s Book sale than Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella?” said Ellen Schollenberger, Manager of the Friends of the Library Book Store.  “The timing could not be more perfect to reach families and offer affordable prices for top quality children’s books. School starts up again in early August, so this is a great opportunity for making Back to School book purchases.” 

Better children’s books will be available for sale, along with new Friends of the A.K. Smiley Public Library merchandise.  Memberships to the Friends of the A.K. Smiley Public Library will also be sold at this event.  The organization is gearing up for a membership drive and invites the community to join.  Benefits include reduced rates at the Friends of the Library Bookstore (lower level of the library).

About the Friends of the A.K. Smiley Public Library:

The Friends of the Library is a group of local citizens dedicated to the improvement of the A.K. Smiley Public Library.  The Friends’ chief activity is raising funds to augment the collections and services of the Library.  Most of the money raised is from the sale and auction of quality books that are donated by a generous public.

The Friends, in conjunction with the Library, sponsor the appearances of speakers and programs which are concerned with cultural issues, history, and literature.

Membership

Annual dues are important toward the achievement of goals and help fund Library projects.  Dues range from $5.00 to $1,000, but any amount is acceptable.  Members are offered discounts on books and Bookstore items.

Volunteers

Volunteers are needed to work in the bookstore, to assist with the auctions and to help shelve books.  Volunteers also help with publicity, mailings, and with hospitality at meetings.  Call the Bookstore at (909) 798-7685 for more information on volunteering.

Literacy

An important program of The Friends of the Library is the Adult Literacy Program at A. K. Smiley Public Library.  If you wish to volunteer, are 18 years and older, and would like to provide one-on-one professional and confidential reading and writing to an adult learner, 18 years and older, or would like to support adult literacy through a financial donation, please contact the Volunteer Literacy Coordinators at literacy@akspl.org or phone the A.K.Smiley Public Library at 909.798.7565, ext. 4138 for more information.