Just like your garden in the backyard, once in a while libraries have to undergo a weeding project. It’s not like the library wants to discard books, but the fact is that many of the titles purchased are not destined to become timeless classics, never to be discarded.
Over the past couple of months, Sheridan Public Library Assistant Director Kim Riley has been busy pulling older titles off the shelves and deleting them from the collection. As you can see from the accompanying picture, Director Steve Martin is surrounded by stacks of withdrawn books. Most of these titles were of small consequence in the realm of things monographic but they did serve a purpose with our reading public for a few years. And like a lot of libraries, the Sheridan Public Library tends to wait a few years before getting down to the nitty-gritty of a major weed of the collections.
Two results have emerged from this situation here at the Sheridan Public Library. First, there are now some bare spots on the shelves, and second, there is a book sale room that is overflowing. Most of them will not be able to be sold, so they will be given away.
The Friends of the Library will welcome the public to the library from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22, and is encouraging you to take home as many books as you want. It is a first-come, first-served event, so early birds will have the advantage. And best of all, it’s free. Bring your own bags and boxes and stuff them full.
The Sheridan Public Library is located at 103 W. 1st St. in beautiful uptown Sheridan, just on the country side of Hamilton County.