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Hello, friends. As always, thanks for joining me here. Hope today’s endeavor won’t seem a bit of just wasted time.

The following topic won’t mean doodley-squat (that’s a technical literary term) if you are not a reader. Of books, that is.

What I’m leading into is telling you just a bit about one of the very finest annual events that takes place here in our little river town.

I know. I know. You are quivering with unfettered excitement.

The event? The Book Fair! That’s right, the wonderful Book Fair sponsored and managed by the Friends of the Library. And what a wonderful group of people they are.

So let me attempt to give you a visual representation of just how the Civic Center looks after all the days of preparation are complete, and the books are out on the tables ready for the reading public. Plus, there are copious amounts of CDs and DVDs also.

Picture, if you will, the inside of the building. Starting with up on the stage. Table after table of books. The aisles between the tables are quite narrow.

Now see the main hall, huge. Where seating for several hundred could be accommodated. A veritable sea of tables laden with books alphabetically neatly arranged by authors. Narrow passageways between tables. Books, books, books. You have to see it to fully appreciate the volume of books.

Hold on, now. I’m not finished. You know the hallway-like space that leads down almost to the front of the building? You got it. More tables laden with books. Everywhere, even up against the wall.

You may ask what the books cost? Depending on whether they are soft or hardback, next to nothing. One could leave with a bag or even large boxes of books for less than $20. This year we got an even dozen for $14. I suspect most folks, or at least many, buy far more than we.

Yet this yearly endeavor raises thousands of dollars each year to help supplement Brown Library’s operating expenses.

Even if you are not a reader of books, friends, next year just take a few minutes and visit the annual Book Fair. You really need to see it to appreciate it. And it all happens because of the good people who are part of the Friends of the Library.

You may even be bold, and purchase a book or two. It will surely afford you more fulfillment than much of the program drivel and the depressing news that’s on television. I guarantee.