Homosassa Library Friends Host Resilient Fall Book Sale

The Friends of the Homosassa Library are set to host their annual Fall Book Sale on November 14-15, 2023. This event not only highlights the organization’s dedication to supporting the library but also serves as a testament to their resilience following a devastating fire that threatened their operations.

Founded in 1991, the Friends of the Homosassa Library is a nonprofit organization established to enhance library services through fundraising and community support. In 2007, the group made a significant contribution of $50,000 towards books and materials for the new library facility.

In December 2015, tragedy struck when a fire at Great Floors in Homosassa destroyed the storage space used by the Friends. The fire wiped out around 40 to 50 boxes of sorted books, including a cherished collection of cookbooks, as well as essential supplies like sorting tables and signs. The incident also took with it their scrapbooks, which chronicled the organization’s journey since its inception.

A January 2016 article in the Chronicle detailed the aftermath of the fire and included a heartfelt appeal for donations to replenish their inventory for the upcoming spring sale. The community response was overwhelming, with long lines at the library and a remarkable turnout for the sale, showcasing the local support for the Friends.

Nearly ten years later, the Friends of the Homosassa Library continue to thrive, raising funds to support various library initiatives. Their efforts have funded improvements such as painting walls, updating furniture, and purchasing literacy computers for children. These contributions rely heavily on the proceeds from their book sales.

The upcoming Fall Book Sale promises a diverse selection of items, including books, puzzles, CDs, DVDs, and other media, with many items being in excellent condition. The sale will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 14 and from 9 a.m. to noon on November 15, at the library located at 4100 S. Grandmarch Ave., Homosassa. For those looking for additional excitement, a raffle will offer a chance to win a Thanksgiving Dinner Basket.

For further details, interested individuals can contact the library at 352-628-5626. The Friends of the Homosassa Library invite the community to join them in supporting literacy and library services through this engaging event.