KIM BURTON-SCHRAM
Local journalism initiative reporter
The popular spring Lochiel Centre used book sale in North Glengarry has kicked off with a positive start. Despite the snowy weather on opening day, the community didn’t disappoint organizer and President of the Centre, Henriette Keusch.
On its first day, the sale brought in just over $3,000 which will be put towards the maintenance costs for the building. Volunteers said the books, which are donated by community members, flew off the shelves. Cookbooks seemed particularly appealing. Perhaps people looking for some comforting recipes or new ideas for dinners as the winter seems to have no end in sight.
The sale at 20863 Lochiel Rd. continues March 28 and 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There are close to 40 volunteers who receive and price the titles, organize them by section and help complete sales. The volunteers are assigned a section of their own to set up and keep stocked.
Of course, Keusch knows where each genre is located among the sea of adventure, romance and mystery novels, and if a particular book is available. The sale, along with a generous benefactor, have proven to be the life preservers for the Lochiel Centre, formerly St. Alexander Church, which closed as a place of worship in 2014. A concerned group of citizens, led by Keusch, decided to find a way to fundraise and keep the building open as a community centre. The idea of a book sale was decided upon, with its success and popularity continuing to grow year after year.
But with maintenance costs and requirements, pressure is on the board of directors to ensure the sale is a success. Keusch says it cost close to $14,000 for propane just to heat the building last year. The group hopes to raise $16,000 through the spring book sale to ensure maintenance costs are covered. Proceeds from the fall sale can then be put towards running events and renovations.
Some books are purchased, enjoyed and then donated a second time to be sold and read by another. Shoppers travel from as far away as Montreal to partake in the Lochiel Centre Booksale. The condition of the books is excellent, and the prices cannot be beat.
L’article Annual Lochiel book sale a reader’s delight est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
