Used record sale raises funds for Ilsley

Author: Liz Scarinci and Liam Gluck

In the back room of Ilsley Library's second floor, a slice of Americana sits in seven cardboard boxes of vinyl records. These LPs, many of which are still wrapped, bring customers back several generations in popular music. Louise Mosher, cashier and Friends of the Library board member, fondly remembers a time when "music had a definite beat and melody," she said.

While not every item for sale invokes the "good old days," Mosher said the event always brings a variety of customers. The library holds a used book and record sale every month of the year thanks to donations from community members.

Most of the records originally belonged to David Washburn, a Middlebury alum and local resident who left his record collection to the library upon his death one year ago.

Mosher commented on the quality and collectibility of Washburn's records for sale. "Those are actually valuable records and people don't realize it," she said.

With donations that are sorted into 30 categories, of books ranging from psychology to gardening in addition to the available records, the sale lures a consumer group of all ages.

"The large selection of children's books entices many parents and grandparents," Mosher said.

In addition to the wide variety, community members are drawn to the sale for the low prices. Paperback books sell for 50 cents, while hard copies sell for a dollar. While collectible LPs sell for upwards of $20, Mosher proudly remarks that some are "$10, no tax!" The sale earns the Library between $400 and $500 each month and about $6,000 a year.

All proceeds of the book sales go toward the Friends of the Library, which acts a support group that raises the main source of money for the library. Director of the Library David Clark calls Friends of the Library his "support group."

"They help promote the library, and one of the ways they do this is by raising money for the extras," he said.

Microphone systems for town meetings, speakers, construction projects, and new furniture are all provided by the Friends' funds. The organization covers all expenses not paid for by local taxes, which cover 95 percent of all operating money.

Having been the director of the library for 14 years, Clark has a sense of what people in the area like to read. He notices an environmental trend that spans age groups.

"People from Middlebury like to read about sustainability, gardening and even books about growing their own food," he said.

Clark commented that the library is not just a place to take out books. Many community organizations hold regular meetings in the conference rooms of the library.

"We see ourselves as an organization to foster services for the town," Clark said.