The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

The Three Sisters Historical Society is now managing the annual book sale that’s been held for many years on the same day as the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. This year, that’s Saturday, July 11. Proceeds will benefit Three Sisters Historical Society.

For many years, the book sale was managed by, and benefitted, the Friends of Sisters Library.

In a move that hearkens back to the beginnings of the annual book sale, it’s being held this year at the Maida Bailey Building, which housed the very first Sisters Library.

“The book sale was (formerly) held out on the lawn and inside the Maida Bailey Building,” said Zeta Seiple, representing the former Friends of Sisters Library. “It was held here for the first couple of years when I moved here.”

The Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, which now maintains the property, welcomed the idea of holding the annual book sale in the Maida Bailey Building. The Chamber has offered to collect books and store them in the building. Volunteers representing the former Sisters Library Book Corner and the Three Sisters Historical Society will pitch in to collect, catalog, and sell books during the Quilt Show.

“We’re taking books of all kinds,” said Lisa Shaddox, the former chair of the Book Corner. “Hardcover fiction and paperbacks, nonfiction, history — all are welcome. Quilting and all kinds of crafting books are also popular with that audience.”

As for permission from the City, “the official in charge said we’re good to go to have the Quilt Show Book Sale at the Maida Bailey Building, because we are a nonprofit, we already have a business license. We can have it inside and outside,” said Karen Swank, secretary of the Three Sisters Historical Society.

According to a sign on the historic building, “The original site of the Sisters Library was on Cascade Street (sic). Money to purchase the land was raised by area residents and businesses and construction material was donated by local mills.

“The library officially opened in 1939. The 14-by-20-foot structure has (had) shelf space for 1,000 books. Members of the Sisters Civic Club volunteered as librarians to keep the doors open for three days and evenings per week. In 1949 an existing office was attached to the library to provide additional shelf space. The building was moved to Spruce Street in 1980. The structure was retired in 1990 upon completion of the present library.”

Drop off bags of books at the Sisters Chamber of Commerce, 219 E. Main Ave., weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact Karen Swank at 415-637-7186.