Bookstore is a Friend In Need, a Friend Indeed

In 2005, Debbie Sinclair donated 25 boxes of books to the Friends of the Aliso Viejo Library Bookstore.

The books were left over from a fundraising event held by Sinclair’s employer. At the Friends bookstore, Sinclair helped unpack the books. That’s when she knew she wanted to become a volunteer at the bookstore.

Sinclair enjoyed volunteering so much that she wanted to do more. “I had some ideas,” she said. “If you’re on the board, you can make changes.”

In 2007, Sinclair became a member of the board of the Friends bookstore. She has served as president of the board since 2009.

Each year, the Friends bookstore raises approximately $43,000 by selling gently used books that have been donated. These funds are used to purchase books, DVD’s, CD’s, magazine subscriptions and other materials for the Aliso Viejo Library.

“Last year, we sponsored Chinese reading materials,” Sinclair said. “The library had old reading materials and there was a request for more. This year we’re hoping to get some in Farsi.”

The Friends Bookstore also provides a wide range of programs at the library, including musical performances, children’s entertainment, events for teens and adult community programs.

Sinclair said the most popular programs are “anything we do with music and anything with the children.”

On June 23, the Friends Bookstore held its first summer celebration at the Aliso Viejo Library. Various musicians performed during the all-day activities. Apartment gardening, nail and face painting, author readings, and mural painting sponsored by the Wyland Foundation were just a few of the activities that day.

“It went really well,” Sinclair said of the summer celebration. “We hope it will become an annual event.”

Library Fest Back to School, a fundraiser, is planned for September 23 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

A long-term project for The Friends Bookstore has been the renovation of the library’s back patio. Improvements will include a new patio shade cover, WiFi, electrical outlets and new patio furniture.

“The city has approved it, so we’re hoping it will be done in the next two years,” said Sinclair.

The bookstore has 30 volunteers who work two-hour shifts, and 10 board members who serve between three and five hours per month. Sinclair said they’re always looking for more volunteers.

“We’re lacking local business people on our board, so that’s what we’re looking for now,” she said.

Sinclair is pleased with the bookstore’s success. “In the last two years our sales have been higher than ever,” she said. “We have a lot of people who don’t want to give up paper for electronics.”

A special relationship exists between the volunteers and the patrons at the Friends Bookstore. “We have a lot of regulars and a lot of our volunteers have been here for a long time,” she said. “The volunteers get treats, candy and cookies from the patrons.”

Sinclair said she loves books, but “the people” are her favorite part of volunteering. “Everyone who contributes has a heart of gold,” she said.

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To become a volunteer at the Aliso Viejo Friends of the Library Bookstore, or for upcoming events, please visit www.friendsavlibrary.com

For information on becoming a board member for the Friends Bookstore, please contact boardmembers@friendsavlibrary.com