Friends of the Malden Public Library delight patrons with Spring Book Sale and “Coffee and a Book – the perfect blend” partnership with New England Coffee Company

The Friends of the Malden Public Library dazzled members and the general public with an innovative approach to the Spring Book Sale last weekend. The Friends offered a Members-Only preview sale on Friday evening, May 5, giving Friends members the opportunity to be the first to sample the collection of the second-hand books that are lovingly sorted, cleaned and shelved by a small group of volunteers, led by Devra, Book Room coordinator. The second part of the formula for success was the Saturday Book Sale, open to the general public, which was paired with the “Coffee and a Book – the Perfect Blend” fundraiser, in collaboration with the New England Coffee Co., a Malden-based coffee roaster and vendor. Who has not perceived the warm, toasty aroma of NECC beans being roasted in the evenings in Malden Square?

The Friends of the MPL is the volunteer, fundraising arm of the Library, hosting fun, cultural events along the year to help fund the Library’s numerous community events and activities. Friends President Mary Ellen O’Meara has identified a mutually beneficial opportunity in partnering with local businesses and has been working toward that objective.

“The New England Coffee Co. has been wonderful. They sent over the Coffee truck, all coffee was donated to the Friends. Patrons had the chance to taste the NECC blends and give whatever they could for the beverage consumed. The people in the truck were pleasant and efficient, our patrons were overjoyed to be offered a delicious coffee, roasted and brewed in Malden, at the entrance to the Library! Everyone gave what they could, some patrons were very generous, and all proceeds went toward funding the programs the Library organizes.”

O’Meara pointed out that Malden was recently recognized as one of the most diverse cities in the Commonwealth and that the Friends was seeking to reach out to all cultural and age groups in Malden to reflect that diversity in membership. “We are looking for new members and new ideas. Everyone is welcome in the Friends as long as you love books and share our desire to serve the Library and the Community! The secret to success is getting everyone involved and incorporating the younger generations to keep up with the times,” she stated.

Meetings for the friends are the second Tuesday of every month at 7:30pm at the Library.