Don't like reading? Read on...An interesting post. Just because you don’t enjoy reading a good book, doesn’t mean there aren’t many other uses for all of those books piled up in the attic.  Here are photos of a desk at Delft University made of used books.  Typesmith.com shows artistic and occasionally bizarre re-purposed books.

First, consider donating them to the Friends of the Monrovia Public Library. Recycling at its best! The Friends take your books and sell them inexpensively. You can get a charity tax deduction for the donation; do ask for a receipt. The money raised goes right back to the Library for programs and services.  Everything stays right here in town. However, if you're looking for a more unusual reuse, check out "80 Awesome Ideas for All Your Old or Unwanted Books"

Hope you all read novelist Richard Russo's piece in the November 18, 2012 Parade Magazine. If not, click the link and do it! He's nostalgic about his childhood stationery/book store,  Alvord and Smith; laments their demise in the modern-day point and click world; however, for him and others, they remain "places of wonder."

Check out this delightful blog from Sarah Christensen! She, Marine husband Rich, and young son Robbie visited the Friends Store last week. Bargains galore for the beginning reader!  We look forward to seeing you on Tuesdays after Toddler Story Time. Thanks, Sarah, for your kind words about our wonderful town and it's library.

Mike Stilkey visited the Friends Store this week. The talented painted book artist spent time sharing tales of his search for used books which he incorporates into incredible art - including a 24 foot tall instillation in Hong Kong's Times Square, a 12-story major shopping center and office tower complex. Mike - full of smiles - often gets inspiration from the title of one of the books (as in "How Lost Was My Weekend) or from the installation setting. We'll soon have postcards of his work for sale and Mike promises a small piece for the Store.  Click on the image to see a larger version of the charming foxy gentleman. Find more attached to a recent article in the HuffingtonPost Culture. And, yes, we passed along books to be used in his future work.

Want to make an impression? Send a real greeting card through the USPS complete with a handwritten note and signature. Almost something of the past, these make people smile! While often expensive (the mark up from production to sale is about 200%. That is, of course, if you buy them at a grocery or card store. The Friends have unique and colorful cards for all occasions priced at just $1 each - a bargain for a beauty! Absolutely the best in town.