Love of books and people are the reasons that Dale Odegaard and Sally Kolb became involved in the group, The Friends of the Library.

This volunteer organization is to promote the library and raise people's interest in helping at the Austin Public Library. Anyone can join this dedicated group. They have an annual meeting every January. They raise money for the library with their used book sales that are held every spring and fall. Saturday is the fall book sale that will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Anne Waldman, a member of this group, writes the monthly newsletter for The Friends of the Library. She said the public donates the books that are sold. They are especially hoping that they get children's books donated for the upcoming sale this Saturday.

"To purchase new children's books, it is so expensive. Kids outgrow books so quickly. This is a good way to recycle books and pass them on. We sold all but one child's book last spring," said Waldman.

Any book in good shape may be donated to the used book sale. The public is asked to please refrain from donating magazines, textbooks and Reader's Digest Condensed Books.

Dale Odegaard the treasurer for this group said, "The money we raise from the Used Book Sale is used to maintaining current resources and services for the library and to develop new resources."

"We try and develop new teen programs. We go after the hard to reach groups so that they can keep an interest in books," said Sally Kolb, the vice-chairperson.

Sheila Donnelly can be reached at 434-2233 or by e-mail at newsroom@austindailyherald.com