Benefits Library,

Continues Saturday

This year's annual book sale to benefit the Greeneville-Greene County library features one of the biggest collections since its first sale 17 years ago.

More than 40 truckloads of books were delivered and -- even during the sale -- more books were still being donated. "It definitely, if not the largest, was the second to largest sale," said Selda Vasquez-McMahan, chairwoman of the sale.

The sale continues today and Saturday in a warehouse behind the Food City at the corner of Tusculum Boulevard and Snapps Ferry Road and is sponsored by Youth Builders of Greeneville, Inc. and the Greeneville Newcomers Club.

Before the doors opened people were lined up more than 100 feet away. "I've never seen the line out that far," McMahan said.

One lady said she showed up at noon on opening day to wait for the doors to open at 4 p.m.

McMahan said the clubs began to collect books in October 2007. She said they received six to seven truckloads a month until January when they started receiving about three truckloads a week.

According to McMahan, a private donator gave 90 cases of mint cond ition romance novels. "We've had amazing support," she said.

Many types of books can be found at the sale including cookbooks, religious books, nonfiction, fiction, children's books, and magazines and many genres including western, science-fiction, fantasy, and mystery.

"I've come here so many years, I've lost count. I love it," said Judy Livingston.

Phil Neese and his wife, Sharon, walked away with 148 western books. "(It) needs to continue every year, it's a very good thing," said Mr. Neese.

This year for the first time the sale includes used computers and accessories.

The book sale has become so popular, it is attracting persons from out of state. According to Mary Jo Smith, a volunteer, a lady came from Abingdon, Va., to buy homeschool education books for her children. Another family has made it an event with relatives coming from Asheville.

The book sale is staffed mainly by volunteers affiliated with the Youth Builders and the Greeneville Newcomers.

All the money earned from the sale goes to the Greeneville-Greene County Library. "It's a great sale and a tremendous help to the library," Smith said.

Other workers include inmates from the County Workhouse organized by Officer Jim Lowe. They did the majority of the heavy lifting.

McMahan said without her "special elves," the inmates, she wouldn't have been able to have the sale. "They've been lifesavers," she said.

Other contributors were the Andrew Johnson Women's Club, First Presbyterian Church, and local businesses who donated tables.

The sale started Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and continues today until 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hardback books cost only $1 and paperback books cost 50 cents. Special collection books will be at a slightly higher price.

On Saturday, books will be sold at half price and after 2 p.m. will be sold for $2 per grocery bag.