Westport Library Book Sale Offered Great Books And More!
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge.
The four-day Spring Book Sale welcomed over 2,500 shoppers and was powered by a dedicated crew of more than 150 volunteers who kept the event organized and fun. The proceeds of the Book Sale fund Westport Book Sale Ventures’ nonprofit mission, which is to provide meaningful, competitive employment and workplace skills training for adults with disabilities, while raising support for The Westport Library.
The biannual Book Sale offers something for everyone, with thousands of gently used books in more than 50 categories, including books for children from infants to teens; literature and classics; fiction, mystery, and SciFi and fantasy; graphic novels and manga; art, photography, history, math, science, psychology, religion, biography, business, cooking, gardening, performing arts, travel, foreign language, education, reference, and more, including Noteworthy, especially antiquarian books. Plus vintage vinyl records, DVDs and CDs.
Jocelyn Barandiarán, President of Westport Book Sale Ventures, Inc., the nonprofit that operates the semi-annual Westport Library book sale events notes, "We were also very moved by how many shoppers want to get closer to our cause and asked about volunteering with us. This town doesn’t just love books, it deeply cares about its neighbors." Barandiarán added, "We are so grateful to the community and our volunteers for making our Big Spring Book Sale a success – and for their support all year ‘round.”
Community care thrives year 'round at the Company’s nonprofit used bookstore, the Westport Book Shop, located right across from the Library at 23 Jesup Road. "Our book sale events and our year ‘round book shop are spaces where inclusivity and a love of reading, learning and growth intersect," Barandiarán explains. "Every single book purchased directly helps us create a more accessible, supportive, and rewarding workplace."
Since opening the Westport Book Shop in January 2021, the nonprofit has provided over 12,250 hours of meaningful, competitive employment and workplace skills training for 15 adults with disabilities, including neurodivergent individuals, and has raised over $350,000 of support for The Westport Library.
This dedication to the community ripples out through an active calendar of events. In addition to collaborations with local groups, the nonprofit Westport Book Shop brings people together through regular events like its monthly short story book club, and a monthly art show and reception highlighting local creators. “We love hosting spaces where neighbors can connect.”
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge.
The Westport Book Shop’s next big event is scheduled for Saturday, May 30 from 11am to 2pm, on Jesup Green, when the shop presents “Stories in Bloom: a Local Author Showcase” featuring more than 30 local authors for children and adults. Visitors will be able to chat with authors, learn about their writing processes, and purchase signed copies of their books. The event is designed for the whole family, with plenty of activities to keep kids entertained, including spring tattoos, bubbles, corn hole games, and a festive Maypole.
“We are honored to be so deeply woven into the daily life of this town, and we are profoundly grateful to our patrons, volunteers, and donors for helping our nonprofit mission grow, one book at a time," says Barandiarán.
To learn more about Westport Book Sale Ventures, visit their website at www.westportbooksaleventures.org