The Rockport Public Library recently received a donation in the amount of $16,000 from the Friends of Rockport Public Library. These funds represent the proceeds from the Friends' annual book sale and membership drive. The Friends work year round to organize the largest book sale in Midcoast Maine, held every July at the Midcoast Recreation Center.

Throughout the year the Friends' volunteers sort, price and pack thousands of donated books, DVDs, puzzles and more. More than 50 volunteers, along with the Friends' Board, help to set up the sale, arrange for signs and advertising, work at the sale, and clean up afterwards. With help from Rockport Public Works, nearly 100 tables were delivered, used and then whisked away.  It takes a heroic effort from many volunteers to make the annual book sale a success.

The FRPL voted unanimously to present this year’s donation of $16,000 in two parts:
half is earmarked to support library programs, materials and other needs of the library, and the other half will go into the new library building fund through the Town of Rockport.  Friends Board member Ann Filley, says “The Friends are so pleased to be able to support the new building and happy that donations can now be made for the new building!”

 Formed in 1979, the Friends of the Rockport Library work to
• Recognize the Rockport Public Library as an integral part of the community
• Promote public awareness and recognition of the library
• Enhance children’s resources and activities
• Contribute volunteer assistance to library staff
• Publicize the cultural, educational, intellectual, and recreational resources of the library

The Rockport Public Library is temporarily located at 485 Commercial Street Rockport, ME 04856. It is open six days a week and offers books, periodicals, Kindle e-readers, interlibrary loan, and many other services to residents of the Rockport area.