TORRINGTON – Today the Goshen County Library finishes their Spring Book Sale. The sale, which lasted about a week and a half, benefits the library’s summer reading program, which starts in May. 

April 10 to April 14 was the beginning of the sale. Library Director Cristine Braddy said the first day is quite popular, as people are often looking for specific books.

“Our first day is huge because there are people that don’t care that they are buying full price and they want first pick,” she said. 

The half-price sale begins on April 15 and goes through April 17. 

From April 19 to April 21, the library held the bag sale, during which people received a bag upon entry and could fill it with as many books as will fit for only $10.

“People love the bag sale,” Braddy said.

The book sales, which take place in April, October and January, benefit the library’s summer reading program. The reading program features several age groups, from toddlers to middle school students. 

This year’s registration for the program takes place on May 22.

“We’re just excited to have people in our building,” Braddy said. “Right now, the big thing is that we’re completely open without restrictions.”

According to Janet Flock of the library, the book sales have likely been around for 40 years.

For the last three years, Friends of the Library has been in charge of the sale. People involved with the organization, according to Janan McCreery, process books throughout the year and volunteer at the sales. 

McCreery said there is a core group of about 35 to 40 volunteers.

Setting up for the sale only takes a morning, according to McCreery, but several weeks before a sale, they work to get the word out.

Donations are accepted whenever the library is open. Braddy said they often have books come through multiple sales.

Braddy said nearly all the books for sale have been donated by community members.

“We have an awesome children’s section,” she said. The sale features a variety of genres, from Wyoming authors to vintage books to biographies.

Braddy said their most popular sections for this sale have been books by C.J. Box and children’s books.

Braddy said this month she expected a similar turnout to the last sale – about 400 people.

During the sale, Eastern Wyoming College students Whitney Martin of Guernsey and Maggie Hughes of Crawford have had their art on display at the Goshen County Library’s spring book sale.

After the sale, the displays will be moved to the Fine Arts Center at EWC.