Friends of Troy Library Gives Away Free Books to New Patrons

February is Library Lovers Month at the , and to help celebrate, individuals signing up for a library card in February for the first time will receive a coupon for a free book.

“You can choose a free book worth up to a dollar," said Rhonda Hendrickson, president of the Friends of the Troy Public Library. "It's a great way to showcase the library."

The coupon may be redeemed at either the Friends Store or the Book Shop, both of which are located inside the library and include a selection of books that have been donated by members of the community. The Friends brought back the program again this year after skipping it last year due to budget concerns.

"We try to get people into the library, expand the user base and get people using the library so they can support it in the community," Hendrickson said. "It's also to let people know that we have a book shop in the basement that's open on the weekends."

"They have some fabulous finds, maybe some old comic books or that paperback you’ve never been able to lay your hands on," said Cathy Russ, director of the library. "In the Friends shop, they also have video games and tapes and DVDs for sale.”

Library Lovers Month is traditionally in September, but Hendrickson said they chose to move it to February to avoid the hectic back-to-school time, promote the library and give patrons an opportunity to curl up with a good book during the long winter months.

"We’re about proving the value of our library to the community," Hendrickson said. "I think the community knows the value of it, but we’re going to make sure we sing its praises far and wide."

“I just appreciate all that (the Friends) do for us," Russ said. "They really look out for us and they do a great job.”

Books at the Friends Store and the Book Store usually cost $0.50-$1, Hendrickson said. The lower level Book Store is open from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday and from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday; the Friends Store is open from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Saturday and from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday.

The Friends of the Troy Public Library is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that promotes and supports the library through fund-raising and advocacy. The group supports library programs for children, computer and e-reader classes, Job-Seekers classes and activities that make the library a place to love.

Membership in the Friends of the Troy Public Library is $10. For more information, visit www.friendstpl.org, find the Friends on Facebook or call 248-786-4580.