Despite the big “open” flag occasionally found hanging outside Friends of the Library Used Book Store, it never officially opened in 2020. While Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library made a successful move to curbside pickup, the store has not fared so well, being that used books are not cataloged, said Friends President Ann Kelley.

The store’s close quarters have made it all but impossible to socially distance, so Kelley and Bookstore Volunteer Coordinator Sam Stevens started an appointment system in June. Said Kelley, “Usually I make an appointment with somebody, I stay there a few hours with the open flag out and let people come in. We have been open a little bit that way … (with) a reasonable amount of money from that, but we're way, way behind on what we normally would have this time of year.”

Kelley said she and Stevens typically have only two or three appointments a week, but to try and make up for all the lost foot traffic, they have also put more books out on the porch than in previous years to offer more of a variety. With the average donation about 25 cents per book, there have also been bigger donations. Said Kelley, “Emptying the little box the money goes into, there were two $20's in there one time folded together. Somebody put in $40.”

The most important thing for people to know about the bookstore is that it is struggling, said Kelley. Earlier this year, Friends gave its annual gift to BHML, of $30,000. Most of the funds are raised through used book sales and represent about 10% of BHML’s budget.

“We can't do that this year. We're really hoping for people to just donate or if they come buy a book on the porch, put a $5 bill in instead of a quarter or something like that. Every bit helps.”

The store is not accepting any more books due to a drop off in volunteerism and sales, and due to the risks associated with COVID-19. Kelley said she has been asking people to hold onto their books because the store is running out of room to stockpile donations and she does not think the store will be open for much longer.

“There's no point in being open in September and October because the year's winding down anyway. But if the flag happens to be out – of course you can come in and whoever is there will take you inside.”

To make an appointment, call Ann at 633-7228 or Sam at 350-6772. To donate online, go to https://bbhlibrary.org/donate/