ROCKPORT — The Rockport Public Library recently received their largest check ever for $16,000 from the Friends of Rockport Public Library. These funds represent the proceeds from the Friends' annual book sale and membership drive. The Friends work year round to organize the largest book sale in Midcoast Maine, held every July at the Midcoast Recreation Center.

Throughout the year the Friends' volunteers sort, price and pack thousands of donated books, DVDs, puzzles and more. More than 50 volunteers, along with the Friends' Board, help to set up the sale, arrange for signs and advertising, work at the sale, and clean up afterwards. With help from Rockport Public Works, nearly 100 tables were delivered, used and then whisked away.  It takes a heroic effort from many volunteers to make the annual book sale a success.

The funds raised at the book sale go to the library, which normally uses the money to purchase new materials and technology. This year, the board of the Friends of the Rockport Public Library voted unanimously to present their annual check to support the building of a new library in Rockport.

 “The Friends make so much of what we do at the library possible,” said Ben Blackmon, interim director of the Rockport Public Library. “This generous check is the culmination of many volunteer hours and membership renewals and donations over the course of a year by the Friends of the Rockport Public Library.”

Formed in 1979, the Friends of the Rockport Library work to
• Recognize the Rockport Public Library as an integral part of the community
• Promote public awareness and recognition of the library
• Enhance children’s resources and activities
• Contribute volunteer assistance to library staff
• Publicize the cultural, educational, intellectual, and recreational resources of the library

The Rockport Public Library is located at 1 Limerock Street, Rockport, ME 04856. It is open six days a week and offers books, periodicals, Kindle e-readers, interlibrary loan, and many other services to residents of the Rockport area.