The annual Emmaus Friends of the Library Holiday Book Sale brought community members together for music, snacks, fellowship and the joy of reading. Participants purchased books for themselves, their friends, children and grandchildren.

“The money [raised] goes directly to the library general fund.” Cecilia Birdsell, a member of the Emmaus Friends of the Library committee, said.

In fact, the Friends of the Emmaus Public Library presented a commemorative check in the amount of $36,200, representing all of the funds donated over the past year. Donations included: $12,000 from the spring book sale; $5,000 in the summer to help the library meet a matching contribution promised by an anonymous donor; $1,000 for the children’s wing groundbreaking ceremony; $16,000 for the annual contributions and $2,200 toward adult and children’s programming, according to Francee Fuller, a member of the Emmaus Friends of the Library.

The evening event raised more than $860. The Emmaus Friends of the Library gave a special thank you to Dolly Russell, who sold handmade bookmarks and Terri Gaspar, who sold craft items; both of whom donated the proceeds to the Friends. Miller Symphony Hall also donated performance tickets which were raffled.

The Emmaus Library boasts a recently completed new children’s wing and supports numerous community programs. Residents who have not visited the library lately should definitely check out the many services and opportunities it offers.