Sharing reading among all

By Kana Coonce

Contributing Writer

ALGOMA – The Algoma Book Corner celebrated its sixth-year anniversary on June 30.

Opened in 2017 by local nonprofit the Algoma Library Friends (ALF), the Algoma Book Corner sells lightly-used books to benefit the Algoma Public Library.

Formed in 1975, ALF is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting “the Algoma Public Library by raising funds for non-budgeted items and lending a helping hand when needed,” per the organization’s website.

After years of hosting book sales in various parking lots across the city, ALF opened the Algoma Book Corner on June 30, 2017, granting them the ability to sell gently-used books year round.

In the time since ALF’s founding, the organization’s book sales have raised enough funds to donate an array of non-budgeted items to the library.

These items include a staff laptop, a projector, summer reading program supplies, display racks, a printer, crafting supplies, an iPad Krayon Kiosk — which allows children to read from a variety of child-friendly book apps — and a children’s kitchen set complete with toy food and cooking utensils.

In addition, ALF funds a $1,000 annual scholarship that is open to people living or employed in Kewaunee County who are pursuing a higher education in library science or reading/media specialties.

Most recently, ALF installed a Little Free Library across from the Algoma Youth Center in early June.

Like other installments that share its namesake, the Little Free Library contains books that are free for the taking, with the intent of sharing reading among all.

In May, volunteers from across the community gathered for a “paint-by-numbers” mural project to brighten up the south side of the Book Corner building.

“We are always looking for additional people to help out at the bookstore,” reads the Book Corner’s website. The store is entirely staffed by volunteers. “It’s not difficult and you meet the most interesting people.”

Volunteers can work the store’s open hours, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday and Saturday, or assist with duties while the store is closed.

To volunteer; donate gently used dictionaries, thesauruses, DVDs, books on CD, children’s books, hardcover books, LP records or paperbacks, visit the Book Corner at 401 Third St., Algoma