"We have tons of books," said Edward Ritter, book sale chair for the Friends of the Kreutz Creek Library, describing the group's fall sale. "Our donations have been very brisk this year. We have every genre - fiction, nonfiction, gardening books, lots of cookbooks, biographies, military history, and we have some really beautiful coffee table books. When you think of the prices we charge, it's a deal for a coffee table book."

The book sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 23, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24. It will take place at the Hellam Township Public Works building, 44 Walnut Springs Road, York.

Ritter noted that the books featured at the sale are all in great condition. "We go through everything that's donated, and we check all the pages, make sure there's no water damage, no mold, the pages aren't torn or missing," he stated. "These are top-quality books."

Along with books, the sale will feature jewelry, baked goods and hot dogs. "We have a lot of puzzles, too, and they go very fast," Ritter remarked.

Proceeds from the book sale help fund operating expenses of the Kreutz Creek Library, which moved into its current location at 66 Walnut Springs Road in February. "The bulk of the money we raise is used to support children's programs," Ritter said.

Jennifer Johnson, branch manager, noted the importance of the Friends group in the library's success. "I want to emphasize the integral value of the Friends group and their support of the library," she commented. "They are a crucial part of the ecosystem of the library, and we wouldn't be able to do what we do without them. They are all volunteers, and they are advocates in the community for the library, for literacy and for reading. Their work makes a significant contribution to the library."

Johnson said proceeds from the Friends book sale matter more than ever now that the library has increased its size in its new space. "We're finding that the library is becoming a destination," she stated. "People are coming in and staying for a long time. We're developing relationships with community members."

She also noted that the book sale is always well attended by people who want to support the library and indulge in a favorite pastime. "I'm always amazed at this expression of people's love of reading," she said. "So many people love to read."