ABOUT THE LIBRARY
Volunteers View Library Booksale as a Valued "Third Place"
November 22, 2006
Lula G. Bridgeforth, a volunteer since 1993, shelves fictional materials in preparation for the upcoming Secondhand Prose Booksale
Since 1986, local book lovers have flocked to the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library to satisfy their literary appetites with voluminous offerings of books, magazines, records, tapes and other items made available at discount prices during the regularly-scheduled Secondhand Prose Booksales.
Stocked with discards from the Library's collection as well as donated materials from the public, the Secondhand Prose sales have generated over $2.7 million for the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Foundation to provide funding for such popular library programs and services as the annual Summer Reading Program and the McFadden Memorial Lecture.
Integral to the success of Secondhand Prose over the years have been the efforts of an estimated 150 volunteers who have donated an average of 9,500 hours per year in sorting and shelving over 18,000 boxes of materials that come their way each year.
In 2006, nearly 75 active volunteers have been involved in the six sales so far during the 20th anniversary celebration of Secondhand Prose. The final sale of the year was held November 17 - 19.
Although volunteers come from all walks of life, from social worker and college professor to retired bank executive and former federal employee, most agree that the Secondhand Prose Booksale has provided a needed "third place" in their lives. It's a place they not only can frequent beyond home or work, but one that provides a social network and outlet for civic involvement. This is especially true for the majority of volunteers who are now retired, although a sizeable number are young professionals in their 30's and 40's who balance their volunteerism among work and family responsibilities.
"I hope I can make a difference," says 79-year-old Lula G. Bridgeforth, a booksale volunteer since 1993 who spent 17 years as a postal clerk. "I enjoy helping patrons find the books that might help them, and I enjoy seeing children get lots of books to read," she adds.
As a virtual "home away from home," the booksale's 5,672-square-foot headquarters at the Library Services Center, 2450 N. Meridian Street in Indianapolis, serves as the meeting place for coffee, luncheons and other social gatherings for volunteers when they're not readying shelves for the thousands of visitors who shop at Secondhand Prose about every two months.
Twenty-year volunteer Evelyn Calhoun, an 80-year-old retired social worker, says the booksale allows her to maintain contact with other people who like books. She has taken much satisfaction in seeing the booksale grow and in being part of a worthwhile community effort.
"The booksale has been an important part of my life, even now when I'm not able to be very active in other things," Calhoun adds.
The sense of place and fulfillment is why most volunteers continue their library involvement, long after professional careers have ended. Whereas many experts have stipulated on why third places are important for civil society, Secondhand Prose volunteers express a simpler view.
"What do I enjoy most about my volunteering? The people - fellow associates and customers," says Bill Eberbach, an 85-year-old retired executive from Union Federal Bank & Trust and World War Two veteran who's been a Secondhand Prose volunteer since 1993. Eberbach processes library discards during non-sale days and assists patrons in finding what they want during the sales.
"I love every minute of it," says Eberbach. "We share a common interest with patrons in our love of books. But the relationship between library staff and the volunteers is special? we always feel welcome and a part of the system."
The first Secondhand Prose Booksale in 2007 is scheduled January 19 - 21. Friends of the Library Preview Night is Friday, January 19 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The sale opens to the public on Saturday, January 20 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and continues on Sunday, January 21 from 12 noon - 4 p.m.
For more information on the sale or becoming a Friend of the Library, contact the Library Foundation at 275-4700.
