The Mount Airy Public Library holds two book sales hosted by the Friends of the Library each year, in the spring and fall. Last year’s fall book sale was one of the most successful, due to the large amount of books donated prior to the sale. This year, the library is running low on donations. Angela Llewellyn, of the Mount Airy Public Library, is putting the call out to community members to donate items.

In addition to books, other items requested for donation include DVDs, audio books on cd and tape, and magazines. DVDs and audio books on cd may be added to circulation for the library, if they do not already own the title.

The money raised from the spring book sale goes toward funding summer programs at the library. Llewellyn said that the Friends of the Library Book Sale is the primary source of money for the programs.

Last year, a large amount of cookbooks were donated prior to the fall book sale, which were a popular purchase for those who attended the book sale, according to Llewellyn. “We welcome all types of books — general fiction, cookbooks, children’s books, non-fiction, any genre…it’s a great time to donate to the library if you are doing spring cleaning and need to get rid of some things.”

Free DVD rentals available for library patrons

With the closing of Mount Airy’s Blockbuster Video and several other video rental stores in the county, demand for DVD rentals through the library has increased, according to Llewellyn.

Anyone with a library card may choose from a growing selection of DVD movies of all genres and types, not just movies based on books. Movie rentals are free, but must be checked out with an adult’s library card.

Library patrons may check out three movies at a time for three days. Late fees are charged after three days; the late fee is $1 per day for each movie.

Quilt raffle

The Northwestern Regional Library is selling tickets for a quilt raffle through June 1. The handmade quilt was made in a batik style by Carol McDowell from Elkin, who also serves as a member of the Elkin library board.

Tickets are $1 each or six for $5 and they can be purchased from any library in the Northwestern Regional Library system, including the Mount Airy Public Library.

Pictures of the quilt are available at each library and the quilt is on a traveling exhibit throughout the library system. It is on display at the Pilot Mountain library through March 18 through 22, then the quilt will return to the Mount Airy Public Library May 6 through 10.