Mary Chavalia, of Essexville, selects bargain books with Ethan, 4, a Bush School student, J.J., 7, who studies at Verellen, and Jaycob Huggins, 9.
(MyBayCity Photos by Dave Rogers)

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Books by the Thousands Recirculated at Bay County Library System Book Sale

Annual Used Book Sale Attracts Crowds of Bargain Seekers

August 15, 2010
By: Dave Rogers

The annual Used Book Sale of the Bay County Library System last week brought throngs of buyers to the Hampton Square Mall.

Despite the heat outside and stifling conditions inside, patrons eagerly took home loads of bargain books.

Library service here remains one of the most popular of public services.

"In times of economic hardship, Americans increasingly turn to, and depend on, their libraries and librarians."

That's the summarizing statement by Tom Birch, director of the Bay County Library System.

"Since Bay County voters approved a 3-year, 1.0 mill, operating levy in November 2007, we have been striving to provide the best library service possible.

"The Sage Branch library has reopened. The Bookmobile is back on the road 3 days a week, making 38 stops throughout the county. We have increased hours from 16 to 46 at both the Auburn Area and Pinconning branches.

"Sunday afternoon hours have been added at the Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library during the school year. We have increased and improved the quality of programs and classes for all ages." Replenishing library collections with up-to-date materials and providing public computers with high-speed Internet access remain a high priority."

Bay County residents are using their libraries more than ever. It is significant that the number of items checked out from Bay County libraries increased 14 percent in 2009 from the previous year. This is more than twice the national average increase of 6 percent. Computer use increased by 29 percent. Visits increased by 14 percent. Other measures of patron use show a similar trend; library use is up substantially over the prior year.

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