Friends of the MPL announce Fall Book Sale on Oct. 17 & 18

The Friends of the Malden Public Library are gearing up to host the ever-popular FALL BOOK SALE. The Members-Only Sneak Peek Preview sale will be on Friday evening, November 17, from 6-9, offering Friends members the opportunity to be the first to sample a collection of secondhand books that were lovingly cleaned, sorted and shelved by a small group of volunteers. The Saturday Book Sale, which is open to the general public, is on November 18 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and it will once again offer the “Coffee and a Book – the Perfect Blend” fundraiser, in collaboration with Malden’s Cornucopia Foods. Friends’ supporter Neil Sullivan of Cornucopia will once again be brewing and donating the coffee for the event. Who has not enjoyed coffee and one of the yummy breakfasts at Cornucopia on Pleasant Street?

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

“Cornucopia sponsored our Fall Book Sale last year and it was a hit! Our volunteers will be serving the coffee for free; if Patrons would like to make a donation, they can. All proceeds go toward funding the Library’s programs,” remarked O’Meara.

The other sponsor of the Fall Book Sale is the Malden Police Department. “We are excited to partner with the MPD and provide the opportunity to meet families and children at the Library. Last year the kids were thrilled to interact with the officers,” observed Friends Vice President Huy Nguyen.

As Malden is recognized as one of the most diverse cities in the Commonwealth, the Friends were thrilled last year to have officers who could speak Spanish and Haitian Creole. “The children’s faces lit up when they realized the officers spoke their language!” commented O’Meara.

The Friends are 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!” O’Meara stated. “The secret to success is getting everyone involved and incorporating the younger generations to keep up with the times. Everybody comes together at the Library!”

Meetings for the Friends are on the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at the Malden Public Library and on Zoom.