$5 Book Sale at the Read House this Weekend

Hopefully, there won't be any snow the day of the book sale.

The Friends of Mentor Public Library will hold a $5 bag sale at Mentor Library’s Read House from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 20, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Sunday, Feb. 21.

That means you can buy as many books—picture books, chapter books, fiction, nonfiction, whatever you want—that fit in a bag for just five dollars.

Best of all, the money from these book sales go to support library programs and services, including:

• Summer reading programs
• Author visits
• Children’s story time and programs
• Teen programs

So visit the Read House, buy some cool books (for really cheap,) and help support the library.

And if you’d rather not spend money on books, that’s fine. I know this cool place where you can borrow as many books as you want for free.

Celebrating an Extraordinary Volunteer

We spend a lot of time thanking people on this blog, but there's a good reason for that.

A lot of people deserve to be thanked: our Summer Reading Program sponsors, the Boy Scouts who built our new pergola, the therapy dogs and their owners who come to Paws to Read.

And we haven't even gotten to the teens who volunteer at our children's event, the Friends of the Mentor Public Library who sponsor so many of our programs, or our Board of Trustees.

In short, we're fortunate to be in a community where so many people care so much about their libraries.

But amidst all these wonderful people, one guy deserves a special mention: Dennis Edward Hauer.

Dennis Hauer cuts his cake -- part of our thank-you to him for his hundreds of hours of service.

Hauer joined the Friends of the Mentor Public Library in 2006 and, since that time, it has become common place for him to volunteer an average of 40 hours a week.

To express our gratitude, the Library Board of Trustees thanked Hauer at their most recent meeting on July 17 and named August 12 as Dennis Edward Hauer Day.

Board President Amy Frank-Hensley called Hauer a hero for the meaningful way in which he has spent his retirement.

“You’re amazing – the way you stay active in the community,” Hensley said to him during the board meeting.

Lynn Hawkins, the library's executive director, called Dennis “a real gem.”

“It is just not possible to measure the effort he has expended on a daily basis, season after season—and the positive effects of that effort. He is a tremendous ambassador for the library.”

Hauer has spearheaded several initiatives that helped us. In 2008, he set up a way for the Friends of the Library to sell donated books on the Internet. To date, that has raised more than $25,000 in book-sale revenues.

He’s donated his time as a volunteer educator, sharing his knowledge and experience as a Mandarin language interpreter with young homeschoolers, as well as Boy and Girl Scouts.

Hauer has always been willing to pitch in – dressing as a clown or Uncle Sam for parades, serving as a Starry Night waiter or a book club greeter, clean-up crew or anything else his talents or enthusiasm are needed.

He has served as a volunteer, officer and board member both for the Friends of the Library and the Citizens of Mentor Public Library.

Most of all, he has always helped with dedication, kindness and humor.

True to form, Hauer was humble when the board honored him on July 17.

“I’m just so happy to contribute to the library in any small way,” he said.

“I’ve never been one who expects praise because I don’t take myself seriously,” he added. “But I take what I do seriously.”

Dennis with his wife, Barbara Hauer, who is also the manager of our Tech Services & Acquisitions Department.

... Thanks To The Generous Contribution Of Readers Like You

If you follow us on Facebook or Twitter, then you've probably heard us mention our sponsors. As in, "Sign up for our summer reading program at any of our branches; and, thanks to our sponsors, there are coupons and prizes just for registering."

We can't say enough good things about these businesses and organizations that support us. They give generously and altruistically.

Also, all of these donations were made at a local level, which tells you how awesome our community is. Simply put, Mentor Public Library is fortunate to be surrounded by businesses who care about lifelong learning and want to support their community.

They make all those cool prizes we give away during our summer readings programs possible. The toys for the kids -- them. The gift certificates for the teens and adults -- them too.

Let's be clear here, reading is its own reward; but it's nice to be able to give people something as an incentive to get started.

And, while the brevity of the average Facebook or Twitter post doesn't allow us to thank each donor individually, that is what they deserve. So, with your permission, I have some businesses and organizations I want to thank.

We had about two dozen sponsors who donated to our summer reading programs.

The Atlas Cinemas at Diamond Centre, the Chik-Fil-A at Great Lakes Mall, Great Harvest Bread, the Lake County Captains, McDonald's (specifically, Mandovi Enterprises,) the Simon Kidgets Club at Great Lakes Mall, Taco Bell, Yours Truly and All Occasions Limo all sponsored our children's summer reading program.

Fredon Corp., Gallery One Art Gallery, the Barnes & Noble in Mentor, Melt, Zoup!, Match Works Tavern, Rue21, Chop-It Salad Company, Tony Sacco's Coal Oven Pizza, Francesca's Collection and Tryst Salon and Spa sponsored our teen and adult summer reading programs.

Last but not least -- there's no "least" in lists like this -- the volunteers of The Friends of the Mentor Public Library continue to give us phenomenal support.

Each business and organization had its own reason for giving. Lindsay Murch of Melt said her first job was at the Mentor Public Library. Jamie Buzzanca of Zoup! said his kid has always used the library.

But, regardless of their reasons, each of their donations and sponsorships have one thing in common.

We couldn't do it without them!

P.S. We never lose sight of the fact that our biggest sponsor is all of you. We're so grateful for the support you provide us; and we do our best to make sure that, whatever it is you need, you can find it at the library.