Lorain library begins first book sale

The Lorain Public Library System Foundation’s first book sale of the year started off with a bang, according to Friends of the Lorain Public Library volunteers.

The book sale, which began Jan. 11 and will run through Jan. 17, is taking place at the Main Branch, 351 Sixth St. in Lorain, and occurs three times a year, again in May and September.

Jay Metzger, a Friends of the Lorain Public Library volunteer, said the first day of the sale is just as successful as it has been in past years.

“The day’s going fantastic,” Metzger said. “We had probably 30 people in line before 10 o’clock (this morning). I was astounded ... It means we’re doing something right.”

A wide variety of books, magazines and art among other merchandise is privately donated through the Main and South Lorain (2121 Homewood Drive in Lorain) branches, as well as donations from the North Ridgeville Branch, 35700 Bainbridge Road.

Metzger estimates that the library puts out thousands of items for each sale and said that he saves additional merchandise for future sales.

“We continue to strive to do that because in our eyes, people tell us it’s a good sale, it’s an inexpensive sale ... and it’s a sale for the community,” he said.

Metzger said the new renovations at the Main Branch also has allowed for more merchandise to come in.

All merchandise is halfoff Jan. 14 and 15, everything is five cents Jan. 16.

On the last day of the sale on Jan. 17, everything costs a penny, Metzger said.

The sale is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Jan. 12, and 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Jan. 14-17.

Lorain residents Rob and Debbie Crausaz said they come to the book sales often and always are surprised by what they find.

“We like this because it’s kind of like a service to the community,” said Rob Crausaz, 60. “When you pay taxes for the library, and you get to get to buy books for a reasonable price, it’s a way they’re giving back to the community.”

“It’s almost like antiquing, you never know what you’ll find,” Debbie Crausaz, 62, said.

JORDANA JOY - MORNING JOURNAL Friends of the Lorain Public Library volunteer Becky Whittington, 74, of Amherst, left, helps a customer during the library system’s first book sale of the year.