The next time you're looking to buy a book, stop by the Elizabethtown Public Library. You may think a library only lends books, but the Friends of Elizabethtown Public Library operate a bookstore in the building, located at 10 S. Market St.

"We carry a wide selection of books," said Pat Casper, secretary of the Friends. "We have history, biography, fiction, nonfiction, children's books." The store features a collection of classic and antique books, including series like the Bobbsey Twins and Nancy Drew, and sells coffee table and specialty books as well.

Along with books, the store sells DVDs, puzzles, jewelry, artwork and doll clothes.

"Deb Kramer makes our doll clothes," Casper said of the local resident. There are clothes to fit all sizes of American Girl dolls, from the 18-inch dolls to Bitty Babies and WellieWishers. "She also makes bean bags that we sell, and those are very popular with children," Casper noted.

A case by the cash register displays handmade jewelry for sale, with the current selection created by Sue Houseal.

"We also have local artwork on display on the walls and for sale," Casper remarked. "We change the display about every two months."

Other than the jewelry, artwork and doll clothes, the bookstore's stock comes from community donations. "We go through the books we receive for our Friends' book sales, and these are the best of the donations," Casper explained. "The books are all in beautiful shape, and everything is very affordable. Sometimes, we even have entire series of books that have been donated."

If customers are looking for a specific book but it's not in stock, they can fill out a book request form at the register. "We'll keep the form downstairs where we sort books, and if it comes in, we'll contact the person and hold the book for them," Casper said.

Although the bookstore is popular year-round, it's especially busy in the weeks leading up the holidays, she noted. "We get a lot of foot traffic in November and December," she said. "We have an option for people to purchase a book and a gift bag and tissue, and you can just buy the book, pop it in the bag, and you're good to go with a gift."

She noted that the bookstore, which is located at the front of the library just inside the Market Street entrance, is open anytime the library is open. Operating the store requires a team of volunteers.

"It takes all of us to run this, but we have lots of volunteer help, which is wonderful," Casper said.

Proceeds from the bookstore benefit programs and activities at the library, and Casper hopes more people will check out the store.

"This bookstore is really an asset to the community," she said, "and a lot of people don't realize we're in here."