Books, Libraries and Friends

Kimberlee Thomas

I can’t imagine a life without books. There is something soothing and purely magical about the weight of a well-worn book with its rough page edges, some dog eared from the lack of a proper bookmark, resting in my hands; holding within its pages the promise of a new adventure in some distant landscape inhabited by strangers who will soon become beloved friends. What an utter privilege it is to have books in our lives offering us knowledge, escape, joy, tears, laughter and cause for conversation with others once we’ve devoured its contents.

And what of the keepers and organizers of these cherished rectangles? From shopkeepers, collectors, librarians and countless volunteers there are not enough words to express the gratitude I hold for their tireless work of preserving our ability to access books.

Within the scenic beauty of Heber Springs there sits a small unsuspecting building located in the curve at 2255 Highway 25B. This little building is chock full of books from the floor to the ceiling and they are all for sale. What is so special about that you might ask? They are super cheap! Some titles are sold for as little as ten cents! Yes! A dime! The proceeds from the sale of these gently used books go towards funding local literacy programs as well as purchasing items for the local libraries. In fact so many books have been sold through this little store that $50,000 was donated toward the construction of the new Cleburne County Library facility in 2013.

Tending to this oasis of beyond affordable literature is a wonderful and friendly staff of volunteers whose mission is to keep books in the hands of all who desire them, they are known as The Friends of the Library.

In 1989 the Cleburne County Friends of the Library was formed under the sponsorship of the Athena Club as a community improvement project. They are a non-profit group that supports and promotes the Cleburne County Library and literacy throughout Cleburne County.

The Friends have been in several locations since their inception. They spent their first 5 years at the National Guard Armory before moving to the local fairgrounds in 1995. In 2008 the Friends rented the building where they are currently located and settled in.

The store is open from 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Gently used books are available at great prices with new inventory changing weekly. Another way the Friends of the Library raise funds is through memberships. They are available for any budget with prices as low as $2 for students and up to a Patron level sponsorship for $75.

Rachel Cone, Treasurer and Membership Chair, stated that, “Our current location means we are able to be open more frequently and we're also able to capitalize on Heber's tourism and have more environmental controls for the books as well as our customers and volunteers.” She further noted that with their profits not only are they able to provide supplies for the local libraries but they also, “sponsor the summer reading program as well as the popular visit from Santa.”

Rachel explained that the large sum donated to the new library went towards purchasing bookshelves. She mentioned the importance of their annual membership drive held in April/May of each year, “but of course people are welcome to join throughout the year.” Memberships are tax deductible, as well as donations, and come with some small goodies. Rachel shared, “We also do the occasional discount sales for members only. We have a Facebook page where I try to post current sales.

Different sections go on sale usually half off, if we're inundated, sometimes as low as a quarter a piece.” They also do a “book pull” quarterly and those books go on their 10 cent shelf. She further noted, “The week before the book pulls our 10 cent shelf is free. Once or twice a year we do a bag sale where a Wal-mart style sack is $3 full of your choice of books. Magazines are given away for free. Our book prices are typically one to two dollars.” The Friends of the Library Store also has book bags, t-shirts, bookmarks, and puzzles for sale.

Rachel shared that the Friends of the Library was something her best friend, April Allen, “dragged me into in high school.” The fact that the volunteer hours looked good on her college applications didn’t hurt and it appealed to her love of reading. After the birth of her son she became a stay at home mom,

“This was an activity where I could bring my child with me and still be able to get out of the house and have some adult interactions. He has grown up in this building. I have pictures of him passed out on the floor as a toddler through helping stock shelves as a preteen.” She notes that The Friends gave her the opportunity to use the things she is good at and loves doing as well as the ability to contribute to her community. In conclusion Rachel shared, “Over the last 25 years it has taken a lot of my time and energy as we have changed buildings, expanded in our current building, painted, redecorated and had new shelves built, but I am incredibly proud of the things we have accomplished and all of our volunteers who do so much.”

Zac Cothren, Director Cleburne County Library shared, “I cannot give enough thanks and praise to the Friends of the Library. What they have been able to accomplish as an organization is truly remarkable. Throughout the 16 years that I have been director of the Library, the Friends have been an unwavering source of both financial and moral support for the Library. Their large financial contribution to our building fund several years ago, their annual support of our Summer Reading Program, and purchasing books and other items to benefit the Library have made them the unsung heroes of the success of the Cleburne County Library. The fact that their only source of funding is through their modest membership fees and sales of used books makes it all the more astonishing. Having their support is an ace in the hole for both the Library and myself. I owe them a huge debt of gratitude, and appreciate them more than they know.”

Board Members include: April Allen – President, Kay Boeing - Vice President, Rachel Cone -Treasurer and Membership Chair, Jean Beisanstein - Volunteer Coordinator.

I would like to encourage you if you haven’t yet browsed the vast selection at The Friends of the Library Store you should hurry before I buy them all! One more thing…while you are there, secure your membership and keep reading my friend.