Westport Book Sale Becomes the Perfect Wet Weather Activity for the Community
Book shoppers selectively browsed through a wide variety of choices in the Westport Library Trefz Forum as the 22nd annual Westport Book Sale was underway. Photos and Story by Preston SirokaThe Westport Book Sale was welcomed this weekend by a flood of both bibliophiles and rain, making it a great way for locals to spend the days inside to support a good local cause.
After 14 months of pandemic closures, an increase of people reading at home, and the donation of thousands of books - 60 library volunteers managed the indoor fundraising event while assuring safety amidst a pandemic.
Volunteers for Westport Book Sales Ventures work to facilitate this weekend’s book sales. In this era of working and learning from home - books have been in the laps of many Westporters. According to staff members, the most donated reading categories in the past year were fiction and history books, however due to the heavy influx in donations, the library couldn't accept all books gifted. And due to the pandemic, strict rules and regulations about quarantining the books had to be put into place for all the books that were accepted. The pandemic and new regulations didn't stop The Westport Library from welcoming the community into the Library to enjoy their famous opportunity to snag a deal on off-market classics, gently-used new novels, or sought-after collectibles. Book sales didn’t end in 2020, but included more online offerings, as well as ticketed events to assure accurate social distancing.
As the library celebrates the success of the Memorial Day weekend event, Westport Book Sale Ventures Board Member Linda Hopper described the future - saying that “The Staples Cafeteria is the target location for future sales” as bigger and more available indoor options may be needed.
Giving Others A Chance
The Westport Library and Westport Book Sales Ventures’ mission is to provide funding for the Westport Library in conjunction with an opportunity to help adults with disabilities become employed and successful, with profits from the book sale directly helping those missions. “The jobs we provide are to help give them the skills to work a full-time job perhaps in the future.” Hopper said. As a way to continue their work in-between book sales, the group recently opened the Westport Book Shop - where employees of all abilities sell books, DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, and collectibles from the 23 Jesup Road storefront year-round.
Compo Lifeguards Damp and Cold on First Days Back at the Beach
Peter Meehan, Staples Sophomore, keeps warm as he remains at his post watching the swim area of Compo Beach this afternoon. With strong wind gusts, driving rain, and cold temperatures - the Compo Beach lifeguards remained under several layers of clothing while watching their areas. To the surprise of staff, a hearty group of swimmers did go for a brisk dip earlier in the day. The lifeguards will remain on-duty daily through Labor Day.
Westonite Drew Klotz Takes Home the $500 Pen Sculpture Award from Fine Arts Festival
Sculpture artist Drew Klotz holds his blue ribbon after being awarded the Pen Sculpture Award by the Downtown Merchant’s Association. Klotz has participated in 5 of the 48 years of the Westport Fine Arts Festival, and has kinetic sculptures visible throughout both Westport and the region.
The Effort of a Damp Day
Oil painter Ning Lee, Booth 128, protects his canvases by clearing a large collection of rainwater from his tent’s roof. Preston Siroka for the Westport Local Press.