The Special Collections Department of Williamson County Public Library and Academy Park Press has just added a new title for book collectors and enthusiasts of Williamson County local history. entitled Excellent Citizens and Notable Partings, this book is a compilation of copies of the original hand-sketched portraits and brief profiles, as published in the series, “Portrait of an Excellent Citizen,” for The Review-Appeal, between the years 1966 and 1968. One hundred and forty-three local citizens are portrayed in short biographies and hand drawn portraits. This book enlarges their lives by including their obituaries, feature articles, family-submitted entries, ads of the era, and quotations from other local writers. It’s not only an interesting read, but also a fun and quick look at the lives of some of the people making things happen in Williamson County in the late 1960s.
Get Your Copy at this week’s Members-Only Book Sale
The book will be available for $25 pre-order at the WCPL Friends Book Sale this weekend. Pre-order sales of the book will continue during the month of September with books available for pickup in early November, in time for the Christmas holidays. Excellent Citizens and Notable Partings will be also be available for sale on the Friends website, at the Friends Book Store located in the library, or for purchase at the circulation desk.
The members-only sale will be held at the library’s main branch, on Friday, September 11, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The address is 1314 Columbia Avenue, Franklin, TN 37064. Due to the smaller space, only our best books will be available, and we will not end the sale with the usual $5 bag sale.
“Friends members only are allowed at the sale, although anyone can become a member at the door,” said David Miller, Friends Fundraising Chair and Vice President. “This is a unique opportunity to purchase some of the latest best-selling books in great condition. Categories include fiction, non-fiction, children’s and young adult, as well as history, biography, cookbooks, and many more categories all at bargain prices.”
Following State COVID-19 regulations, only 10 shoppers will be allowed in the room at a time, and masks are mandatory. Membership and cashier stations will be behind plexiglass, and hand sanitizer will be provided throughout the sale.
Friends Book Store
While at the library, step into the newly expanded Friends’ Book Store with more shelves, books, and aisle space. “New books are added weekly,” Miller said. “We just increased our shelf space giving readers more choices, with books bargain-priced. If you can’t make the book sale, stop by the book store to stock up.” Prices range from 50 cents to $3.
Memberships Extended
Friends is also running a one-time offer, due to COVID-19, and extending membership benefits through December 31, 2021 by joining now. Regularly, membership is valid from January to December, but this offer extends membership by several months for anyone who joins now. Individual membership is $15, and Family membership is $25.
Book Donations
Friends also accepts book donations to support their book sale. Small book donations, up to two bags, can be dropped off at the library during normal hours
“Last year, Friends donated $50,000 to WCPL for the purchase of books and other resources in a supplement to funds received from the county,” said Mary Herring, Friends President. “The library counts on this donation from Friends to meet the demands for new books. “With COVID-19, fundraising efforts have been diminished so we are reaching out to the community to please consider donating.”