"The two most common questions we get are 'What are your operating hours?' and 'When is your book sale?'" said Jennifer Johnson, branch manager for the Kreutz Creek Library. Lucky for those eager patrons, the Friends of the Kreutz Creek Library will hold their spring book sale from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, April 22, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 23. The sale will take place at the Hellam Township Public Works building, 44 Walnut Springs Road, York.

"This is a huge book sale, and it's our No. 1 fundraiser," said Edward Ritter, book sale chair. "We will have lots and lots of books. We'll also have lots of puzzles. Puzzles were very popular at our last sale. And we will be selling jewelry and baked goods." Hot dogs will also be for sale, returning to the event for the first time since the pandemic started.

"That's an institution - people come for the hot dogs as much as they come for the books," noted Johnson.

Ritter emphasized that not only does the sale offer a wide selection of items, but it also provides an inexpensive way to take home a lot of books. "We're not raising our prices this year," he stated. "Bring a tote bag or bring a wagon because there are tons of books. Plan on coming early for the best selection."

Proceeds from the book sale will benefit the library, which moved into its new facility at 66 Walnut Springs Road in February. The new space is seven times larger than the library's former home, a FEMA trailer located next door. "We have this great new facility, but it comes with increased operating costs, from heating and cooling to insurance," Ritter remarked. "It's a free library for the public, but it needs our economic support to keep going."

The Friends of the Kreutz Creek Library hold two book sales annually, one in the spring and one in the fall. Along with raising money for the library, the event serves as a way to connect with the community, Johnson said. "The book sale is a win-win for everybody," she commented. "People get to buy books to enjoy, and the library gets the proceeds to continue to be a resource for the community. The book sale is about strengthening our bonds with the community."

The sale is also a way for the Friends group to promote its mission of supporting the library. "Come to the sale, and you'll have the chance to meet some of the Friends and maybe take that extra step to join the Friends," Ritter stated. "We're always looking for new members."

Johnson noted that the library will be open during the book sale. "If you want to see the fruits of the Friends' efforts, come to the library," she said. "Come see what we're all about."