The Austin Public Library’s annual Monster Book Sale, which usually takes place in September, has been postponed until March (a definite date has not yet been set) due to a lack of volunteer resources for planning. You may still donate your old books to the sale, which directly benefits the library. Other opportunities to support various library and literacy efforts are:
Keep Austin Reading. Although the in-store book and media drives have ended, you can still donate at www.austinlibrary.org. Keep your eyes peeled for the next campaign, as well as intermittent efforts to build specific parts of the collection. Additionally, the Friends of the Library sponsor a monthly author series; sales of the authors’ books benefit the Austin Public Library. On July 29, 7pm, Dr. Debra Umberson from the UT Sociology Department reads from her new book, Death of a Parent: Transition to a New Adult Identity at the Old Quarry Branch (7051 Village Center). The next night, the Yarborough Branch (2200 Hancock Dr.) hosts Dagoberto Gilb and his new book, Gritos, at 7pm.
Inside Books holds volunteer nights on Thursdays and Sundays, as well as near-monthly benefits and fundraisers. Call 647-4803 or e-mail insidebooksproject@yahoo.com.
Literacy Austin just held BookFest, its own fundraising book sale, but always accepts donations. You can donate at www.helping.org or send checks to 2222 Rosedale, Austin, TX 78702.
This article appears in July 18 • 2003.