Friends of the Flathead County Library’s annual book sale raised over $17,000 this fall, the most raised since the sale began decades ago.  

“It’s the highest amount we’ve grossed, and we’re really excited to see what the library will do with that money,” said Melissa Wood, a representative for the group, at the September Flathead County Library Board meeting.  

Thousands of books were sold from Sept. 19-21, raising a total of $17,393. Books are collected throughout the year for the annual sale.  

Since 1984, the Friends of the Flathead County Library have worked to benefit, improve and enhance the goals of the Flathead County Library via programs, like staff appreciation meals or donations. 

“We’re not like a foundation arm that makes a lot of money, but the book sale has always been there to make some money in support of library programs,” Friends President Jill Carlberg said this week.  

The library decides how to spend the money, Carlberg said, but typically it's used for early literacy programs.   

The annual book sale usually raises around $12,000.  

The price of the books increased this year to $2 per inch from $1.50 per inch, which added to the success of the sale.  

“I see that success as an indication that physical books are not dead,” Trustee Carmen Cuthbertson said at last month’s library board meeting.  

Over 60% of Americans believe that print is the most enjoyable way to read books, according to a 2017 survey by Two Sides North America, a nonprofit that promotes the sustainability of print and paper products.  

“People love reading, people love books,” Wood said. “They value literacy in our community.” 

Throughout the year, Friends rents the cabin at Kalispell Lions Memorial Park in south Kalispell to use as a book drop off center, where books are sorted before going into storage. Before the sale, volunteers move the books to the Kalispell Center Mall, which lets Friends host the sale for free.  

Donations can be made for the sale throughout the year, either by dropping books off at Kalispell Lions Memorial Park, which is located off Third Avenue East on U.S. 93 South, or by contacting the Friends at imagineiffriends.com.  

Guidelines for donations include no old textbooks, no old encyclopedia sets, no hardback fiction without a dust jacket, no magazines and nothing that is damaged or moldy.  

“When a community unites and works together, it can have a positive outcome for the community,” Carlberg said. “And certainly, more particularly, there is a strong passion and interest in books and learning in Flathead County.” 

Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or [email protected].