To find the first mention of the Hog Days Book Sale in the minutes of the Friends of the Library board meetings, you would have to go all the way back to 1990. That according to Barbara Morrison, a Friends of the Library board member.

For at least 35 years, the Friends of the Library have been holding the annual Labor Day sale and raising funds for various library needs. This year the Hog Days Book Sale will be held Saturday, Aug. 30 from 7 to 11 a.m. in the Johnson Appliance parking lot.

Morrison said the list of ways the book sale helps the library is extensive, covering education, equipment and structural needs. Proceeds from the event have supported everything from newspaper digitalization and homeschool resources to a youth science book club, summer reading programs and other community initiatives.
Equipment purchases have included table lamps, webcams, book carts, elevator mats and mini charging hubs. Structural improvements funded by the group include new windows, fencing and tuckpointing.

Morrison credited the sale’s success to the generosity of the community, which donates books year-round and contributes during the event. It’s those donations that keep the sale going.

“We’re very grateful to the public because they are so generous,” Morrison said, noting the book sale is the Friends’ “bread and butter.”

In the past, books were priced individually, but Morrison said the Friends now simply ask for donations. She said the approach has worked well.

To make the event possible, the group relies on local business support. Johnson Appliance provides the parking lot space, and Bill Breedlove sends his employees each year to help with setup.

“We really appreciate them,” Morrison said.