To the Editor:

The Chelmsford Friends of the Library wish to thank the many people who made our recent Used Book Sale such a success.  The Friends raised just under $30,000, funds that will help the library continue to offer a wide range of free programs and materials to Chelmsford residents.

A book sale of this size requires the help of many people, but first and foremost it requires books, and the Friends thank all of you who continue to save and donate tens of thousands of books.  This shows a huge community commitment to the library, and we are extremely grateful.  We know that other groups also want your books, but please remember that all of these profits go directly to the Chelmsford libraries.

 We also thank the many volunteers who gave so generously of their time to make the sale run smoothly.  Organizing books for the sale takes most of the year, and we appreciate those who publicized the book drives and sale, who unloaded cars, who sorted and priced books, who carried boxes up and down stairs, who donated and collected empty boxes for us to use, and who brought us baked treats to lift our spirits.  We wish to thank the people who helped with set-up on Thursday night, who helped throughout the sale itself, and particularly those who stayed to help with the clean-up. Additionally, we are thankful for the support of several town and regional departments. All of you gave of that precious commodity – your time – and we appreciate that gift.

We particularly thank the students from Chelmsford High School and other local schools. Students helped with book drives, the set-up, and at the sale. And at the end of the sale the members of the CHS football team provided their strength and energy to pack up the remains.  We are lucky in Chelmsford to have so many wonderful young people who are willing to volunteer to make our community a better place.

This annual event is one of the largest used book sales in the region, and the money it raises benefits all Chelmsford residents through library programs and resources that could not otherwise be funded.  In addition, all leftover books and materials are donated to various local literacy and community groups, to teachers, to the Veterans Hospital in Bedford, sent to troops who are deployed, or donated to an international literacy group.  It is wonderful to know that so many people will benefit from the generosity of those who donated books.

Finally, we want to thank all of you who came to the book sale and bought books. The annual Used Book Sale is truly a community event, and we appreciate all of the residents of Chelmsford who support us in this effort. This community support is one more reason that Chelmsford is such a great place to live.

We will begin collecting books again in a few months time, and the schedule will be posted on the library’s Web site. So save your books for the Friends.

Madeleine Needles