by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
When the Main Library first opened its doors on Nov. 12, 2005 so did Booktique, a store that sells library materials that have been taken out of circulation. It’s operated by The Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library, a group of people who contribute volunteer hours for projects like the annual “Great Jacksonville Book Sale” at the Fairgrounds.
The Friends also volunteer at Booktique and their efforts paid off Tuesday when the organization presented a check for $50,000 to the library. It was the first time the Friends have made a donation from profits generated by the store.
Mark Wood, chair of the Jacksonville Public Library board of trustees, said the funds are greatly appreciated and will be used to provide library programs that otherwise might not be available.
“State funding for libraries is diminishing as is funding from the City,” he said. “The library is always competing with other needs the City and state have. Funds raised by the Friends allow us to enhance library programs like children’s literacy.”
Friends Executive Director Sharon Futch is also Booktique’s manager and volunteer coordinator. She said the store sells books, CDs, and other materials that are no longer on the shelves at the main library or the neighborhood branch libraries, items that people no longer borrow. The store also has a selection of cards and gifts.
“Even though most of our inventory doesn’t cost us anything, it took a while to cover the costs we incurred to get the store open like the fixtures and what we sell other than the books we get from the library or through other donations,” she said. Futch also pointed out that “three years is about the right amount of time for a small business to start to show a profit.”
Friends President Harry Reagan said having a membership in The Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library pays dividends beyond being part of an organization that helps provide library services free of charge to all the citizens of Duval County.
“It only costs $15 a year for an individual or $25 a year for a family membership. We sell gently used hardcover books for as little as $1 and Friends members even get a discount,” he said.
Booktique is located near the Laura Street entrance of the Main Library. It’s open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.
356-2466