Books, books and more books at library book corner

There were only a handful of used books left in the Friends Book Corner after last summer's sale during the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. Participants and local residents gobbled up just about everything on the shelves.

Consequently, Vicky Hughes, Friends of the Sisters Library Board member who runs the Book Corner, was wringing her hands.

The obvious solution was to write a story for The Nugget, asking for help getting used-book donations, and a story appeared the week after the Quilt Show. Just three days after The Nugget article hit the street, this welcome message arrived in the FOSL e-mail:

"We were in Sisters recently and read that you need books because your sale during the Quilt Show was so successful. Congratulations. Meanwhile, we're moving in December and need to get rid of some books. Would you be interested in adopting our books? - Ever yours, Mary Oberst, First Lady of Oregon."

That was just the beginning. Many other people all around Sisters with used books on their hands also read the books-wanted article, and decided to help FOSL out. Within two weeks the book shelves in the Friends Book Corner were almost filled, and the books kept coming.

"These are wonderful books from the library of the governor," Zeta Seiple said, as she, Ardie Winters and Vicky Hughes began sorting them.

Hughes said, "I continue to be amazed at the generosity of the Sisters community. They keep the Friends Book Corner alive. And now donations coming from the personal library of the governor... this is awesome! Thank you all."

Now, with the first lady's generosity and the help of all the other friends of the Friends, FOSL's storage unit and Book Corner is almost buried in books. Vicky is expecting brisk sales after Thanksgiving, when friends and relatives will be out looking for books for friends and relatives for Christmas. So, for now, they are asking that you hold onto your books until after the Christmas shopping season is over and done with, then Hughes will welcome them with open arms.

Stop by the Friends Book Corner every Tuesday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.