Located in downtown Statesboro just off North College Street, lies Statesboro’s hidden gem for book lovers: The Friends of the Library Bookstore.
Books for everyone and every interest
From vintage classics to good as new best sellers, you will definitely walk out of the bookstore with a great find. They have a variety of books from children's to adults'. Books sections include Fantasy/Sci Fi, History, Cookbooks, Inspirational, Self-Help, Romance and more. They also have a section dedicated to authors with 10 or more books.
A children's nook has a variety of books for all ages, from picture books to chapter books. Children also get a free book each visit! There is also a back room filled to the brim with books.
If you like the thrill of searching for just the right book, this is your place. Prices can’t be beat, and instead of your intended two book limit, you may just walk out with a bag full of books. Helpful volunteers staff the FOL and are eager to steer you in the right direction. In addition to books they also carry audiobooks, dvds, and puzzles. Books are priced $2 and under.
How the FOL Bookstore came to be
The Friends of the Library was established almost 30 years ago by Frank Parker to help support the library financially. What began with 25 or 30 people grew into more than 200 Friends of the Library within its first year.
The organization has flourished in the time since, hosting a popular book sale each year, as well as other events and outreach efforts. The idea of the bookstore was born of those efforts -- a dream that finally came to fruition in 2021.
“We have an ancillary goal of promoting reading and education in the community, especially among young readers,” said Lawton Sack, Treasurer of FOL. “The bookstore had been a dream of myself and Walt Strickland since he first served as President and I as Vice-President over a decade ago. We pitched the idea several times over the years, but for one reason or another, the timing never seemed to be right. We envisioned an independent bookstore that could fund the programming and other needs of the Library."
According to Sack, the process of moving the books from storage to the library, sorting, then reloading back into storage for the bi-annual library book sale was labor intensive. Last year during library renovations, the books stored there had to be moved out.
Sack said, “At the same time, the Statesboro Herald had taken ownership of the old Maxway property and some nearby properties. Walt Strickland knew that the Statesboro Herald was looking for partnerships with nonprofits in the area, so he approached Joe McGlamery about the possibility of them providing space for a bookstore. The timing turned out to be perfect! We began the process of getting the building ready at the end of the summer of 2021. We were able to open in October of 2021.”
The store will be celebrating its one-year anniversary October 9, with a celebration planned on Saturday, October 8, from 9am to 6pm. All patrons will receive one free book on this date, as well as enjoy refreshments and other surprises.
“The response from the community has been wonderful—both donations and purchases of books,” according to Pat Homer of the FOL.
In addition to the bookstore, the FOL regularly has a table at the Statesboro Mainstreet Farmers Market where children can choose a free book and participate in sidewalk chalk, puzzles and bubbles. Porch Puppet Stories have also been a favorite to help engage children in the love of books.
Through both its bookstore and literacy outreach, FOL remains an important organization in Statesboro, and it has all been a community effort.
"There have been many great people that have sustained Friends of the Library over the last 30 plus years," Strickland said.
Visit the store
The bookstore may be a bit of a challenge to find on your first visit, but it is worth the effort. The address is 6 Proctor Street, which is located within the parking lot of the old Maxway store complex -- across from the Statesboro Herald. Look for the green awning.
Hours are 9am-1pm on Fridays and Saturday, and they will offer new extended hours during First Fridays downtown, from 9am-8pm. The bookstore accepts donations in good clean condition during business hours.
Prices for books vary on specialty books throughout the store, but generally, prices are as follows:
- Mass Market Paperbacks: $0.50
- Trade Paperbacks: $1
- Hardbacks: $2
- Library Discards: 3/$1
- DVDs: $1
- Audio: $0.50
- Children's Books: One free, others $1
Check out FOL on Facebook to keep up to date on latest events, nuggets of wisdom, and new books!
For membership information check out the Friends of library website member page.
