Organizers deem used book sale a success

WESLACO — Butch and Linda Johnson are first-year Winter Texans from Iowa who have had no trouble finding things to do in the Rio Grande Valley.

On Thursday, the Johnsons found new entertainment during a visit to the Weslaco Public Library's annual used book sale, which this year also included an art fair.

 
The couple did not leave empty handed, buying four books including one close to their hearts: "Iowa the Heartland".

"It's a nice book and has lots of pictures," Butch Johnson said. "They probably have books from every state." 

The event also included a merchandise alley, where vendors sold a variety of good ranging from paintings to jewelry. As an extra bonus, Weslaco native and pianist Allie Haden performed a pair of small concerts in the Eugene A. Braught Theatre.

Used book and art fair coordinator Cindy Willson said that the event was deemed a success in its first few hours, as the group had already made more money than the entire events of the past three years. Willson said customers ranged from Winter Texans, private school students, students from the STC Mid-Valley campus and even local residents strolling through during their work lunch hours.

 
"Books are selling like crazy because they're noticing what a bargain they're getting," she said. "What a success, I imagine we'll exceed what the event has ever had."

John and Joyce Hayes from Illinois, also Winter Texans, said they attended the event to take advantage of the bargain book sale.
Already struggling to carry as many as nine books between them, the couple said they were headed back inside for more.

Joyce Hayes said she is a lifetime reader, who admits loading her van with books from visits to garage sales and flea markets.

"I can't remember not reading," she said. "When I'm done reading the books, I'm going back home (Illinois) and recycling them."
Willson hopes this two-day turnout will be a step towards additional book sales throughout the year.

"I had high expectations, but it was more than what people may have expected," Willson said. "There was way more activity than what people expected."