Capitol Books by Friends of the Library, the used bookstore located within The Capitol Arts Center in downtown Bowling Green, is celebrating its first anniversary in June.
“The idea for Capitol Books came from Lisa Rice, Director of the Warren County Public Library, after the library began managing The Capitol,” said Lynn Kruger, president of Friends of the Library. “We started planning in early spring 2021 and opened only a few months later on June 3.”
The bookstore is operated by Friends of the Library and staffed by volunteers. Located at 416 E. Main Street, the store is open Monday thru Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and for special events.
The books and media that are sold at Capitol Books are hand-selected from donations for the annual Friends of the Library Used Book Sale. High-quality used books and media of all genres and for all ages can be found at Capitol Books, and no book is over $4!
“The popular Friends of the Library Used Book Sale happens only once a year, but we are able to offer used books to our community year-round through Capitol Books,” said Sandy Cummins, Friends of the Library board member and manager of Capitol Books. “The store is also another way to raise money for the library and the community.”
Anyone can donate books and media for the annual Used Book Sale and get a tax receipt in return. Books (fiction and nonfiction; hardback and paperback), children’s books (including board books), audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, puzzles and games are accepted at any of the Warren County Public Library branches.
In its first year, the store has welcomed many members of the Bowling Green community, as well as patrons from across the nation and even further away.
“We have a guestbook in the store where we invite shoppers to leave a message and tell us where they are from,” said Lynn Kruger. “Looking through it recently, I noticed someone had visited us from as far as Paris, France! I love seeing where people are from and learning why they are visiting Bowling Green.”
“Capitol Books wouldn’t be possible without our wonderful volunteers,” said Sandy Cummins. “We are so thankful for them.”
Started in 1988, the Friends of the Library is a non-profit volunteer organization that works to provide funding for Warren County Public Library programming, as well as materials and equipment for the library that would not be possible otherwise.
In addition to donations, membership in the Friends of the Library is also tax-deductible. Annual or lifetime memberships are available for individuals, families and businesses. Membership is based on the calendar year (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31), and renewal letters are sent by mail to current members.
“The Friends of the Library work to increase access to literature across our community,” said Lynn Kruger. “All of our efforts come down to ‘are we helping the Warren County Public Library?’”
The Friends of the Library provide support for the annual Summer and Winter Reading Programs at the Warren County Public Library, which offer many opportunities and activities for readers of all ages throughout the community. The group also supports SOKY Bookfest, an event which brings authors to Bowling Green and gives readers the opportunity to interact with the authors and purchase books.
In addition to donating books and media, you can support the Friends of the Library while shopping at Kroger with the Kroger Community Rewards Program (search for Warren County Public Library Friends of the Library) or shopping online using AmazonSmile (search for Friends of the Library Warren County Inc.). Monetary donations may also be made to the Friends of the Library in memory or in honor of a special person, place or event.
Keep the Friends of the Library in mind when dispersing large book collections. The group may be able to help.
Follow Capitol Books by Friends of the Library on Facebook or on Instagram at @capitolbooksbg. Don’t forget to follow the Friends of the Library-Warren County on Facebook, too.
Interested in volunteering at Capitol Books, joining Friends of the Library or need information about donating your books? Contact Lynn Kruger at lynnkruger52@gmail.com or Sandy Cummins at sancummins@hotmail.com.
-submitted by Capitol Books
