There has always been controversy around books and whether people, especially Gen Z, take the time anymore to sit down and enjoy a book. Though there are few, not many can say they have recently sat down and read a book outside of school.
“However many people there are, there are going to be types of books… there are books for everybody,” stated Ellie Moreton, a two-year member of Friends of the Malden Public Library (MPL), and the Friends proved that with their annual book sale.
The Friends of the MPL partnered with Malden’s fire and police departments and New England Coffee to host another successful, annual two-day book sale with their goal of helping and uniting the community.
“We have two big book sales a year one in the Fall and another during Spring time each spread out in two days,” stated Mary Ellen, president of the Friends of The MPL since 2022.
On Friday, day one of the book sale, the books are available for members of The Friends of the MPL and if community members wish to get a membership each one is $10 annually. Members get early access and a sneak preview of the books before it opens to the public on Saturday. With familiar faces like the Chief of the Fire Department attending, The Friends of the MPL offered an exciting and enjoyable environment.
When arriving, the first thing you notice at the entrance of the Library is the New England Coffee truck parked next to a firefighter truck with the coffee truck offering free iced or hot coffee. Many firefighters and attendees were outside enjoying a delicious brew.
The book sale was located in the basement of the library, a designated room where all of the books to buy were available. The available books were donated by community members.
“Today, I estimate we have around 30,000 books and 3,000 CDS and DVDs,” Ellen said. “We get donations every day and most of the people you see here today are people that come help store, clean, and shelve all of the books.”
Many people of different ages attended the book sale and experienced the niche that people who work with books experience.
“It’s the feeling you get when you pick up a new title you know you’re going to enjoy, that’s why I enjoy coming to the library,” said Eunice Torres, a Malden resident and book sale attendee.
The Friends of the MPL also sold custom t-shirts for $20. But if you were a firefighter, you were in luck because the price was lowered to $10 for members who serve the community.
The Friends of the Malden Public Library hosts different events throughout the year to help raise funds for the library’s wishlist. The wishlist can range from snacks and refreshments for movie nights to computers and books for the library.
“We couldn’t do what we do without the volunteers, we have around 16 or more active volunteers that show up to the board meetings and help out with events,” said Judy Harvey, Malden High School class of ‘58 alum and a 12-year member of the Friends of the MPL. “Sharing the wealth of books that one donated to the library and getting them in the hands of people who would enjoy them is one of the main benefits of our book sales.”
