Behind Closed Doors at the Library

What happens at the library when the doors are closed and the patrons go home? Saturday is South Orange's chance to find out.

Friends of the South Orange Public Library (FOSOPL) invite book lovers and heavy lifters alike to help sort some 90 boxes of donated books. From 9:00 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sat. when the library is closed, volunteers are welcome to stock the new "Book Nook," which will function as a small, second-hand bookstore and provide funds for the library.

Volunteer Dru Barkalow explains the inspiration behind the Book Nook. "The annual book sale is always such an event, the thought is to continue it through the year," she says. No worries, though, readers; the annual sale will continue.

The Book Nook will be located on the second floor of the library, behind the elevator. Barkalow notes that it will be staffed by volunteers and be open on specific days and hours, which are still being decided. "We're currently in the planning stages of its operation," she explains, adding, "Personally I love the idea and that is why I am on board."

Saturday's one-day work event will see Friends and volunteers moving books to a working area, sorting them according to the criteria of the stock that we want, alphabetizing and shelving them. "It sounds like a lot of work," says Barkalow, "but in our Friends' meeting on July 13, we realized that this is a really good example of 'Many Hands Make Light Work'."

"With all the people already lined up to help," continues Barkalow. "We know that this is going to be fun and get something important done at the same time."

There's still room for more volunteers: if you would like to participate, please email Janyce Wolf at: friends@sopl.org.