The Village Library of Morgantown will hold an outdoor book sale on Friday and Saturday, June 11 and 12. The book sale will begin with a presale from 4 to 5 p.m. on June 11. A fee will be charged for entry. The sale will then be open to the public free of charge from 5 to 8 p.m. A bag sale will be featured on June 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., where attendees may fill a bag for a donation. Two sizes of bags will be available.

The book sale will also be the unofficial start of the library's Summer Reading Program. "Our Summer Reading Program officially begins on (Monday) June 14, but we're kicking it off during the book sale," said library director Maria Long. "Pam (Mohl, children's librarian), will do fun activities with the kids during the book sale on Saturday."

Because of the pandemic, the library's fall book sale was held outdoors under a tent as well. "In October, we had a tent sale of one day. With things getting better and now that it's summertime and nicer (weather), we decided to do two days," Long said. "For fall, we will shoot for three days again."

To make shopping easier, all books will be sorted by category. Also offered for sale will be DVDs, music CDs and audiobooks.

Patrons will be asked to wear masks and practice social distancing during the book sale.

The library's Summer Reading Program will have a list of challenges for people of all ages. "(Participants will get) a list of activities. When you fill up the (spaces) on the paper, you get entered into a drawing for prizes," Long explained. Complete rules will be available during the book sale and posted on the library's website and Facebook page.

"Our theme this year is 'Tail and Tales,'" said Long. "For the challenges, Pam might have children read a book about an animal in keeping with the theme. I will also do a monthly trivia challenge for adults related to animal facts."

The Summer Reading Program will conclude on Saturday, Aug. 14. For those who do not attend the book sale, Summer Reading Program packets can be picked up at the library. Online registration will also be available.

Morgantown resident Lisa Betz, author of the mystery "Death and a Crocodile," which recently won a gold medal in the 2021 Illumination Book Awards, will be also at the book sale to autograph books on Friday and Saturday and to answer questions about the novel and its upcoming sequel.

Betz has been volunteering at Village Library book sales for 10 years. She also serves as the current chair for the library's Board of Trustees.

"Book sales are one of my favorite events. It brings the community together and allows an opportunity to meet fellow book lovers," Betz commented. "Plus, it's an important fundraiser for the library. I'm hoping that offering a book signing at the same time will draw even more people to the sale."

The Village Library is located at 207 N. Walnut St., Morgantown. For more information about the book sale and the Summer Reading Program, call 610-286-1022 or visit http://www.villagelibrary.org or http://www.facebook.com/VillageLibraryofMorgantown.