Among the browsers were Norm and Gayle Weiske, a retired couple from New Ulm. Norm checked out with a bag full of books, including several Westerns.

“My favorite is Westerns,” he said with a grin. “Especially Louis L’Amour.”

Meanwhile, Gayle browsed the children’s section for a stack of books for their great-granddaughter, holding up a coloring and activity book titled “I Love to Read!” as the couple explored the sale together.

“This year, it’s strictly books,” said A.J. Tauer, president of the Friends of the Library, the volunteer group that organizes the sale. “We used to include puzzles and DVDs, but they’re harder to move–and you never want to give someone a puzzle missing a piece.”

Norm and Gayle Weiske browse the children’s section at the New Ulm Library book sale, picking out a favorite for their great-granddaughter.

Tauer, who joined Friends of the Library four years ago, said the sale is about more than fundraising. “It’s about gifting the public with books that support the library–for all the things they need.”

Proceeds help fund library programs, resources, and staff development.

“They’ve helped us bring in authors and presenters, pay for Wowbrary, and send staff to conferences,” said April Ide, the library director.

Wowbrary is a weekly email newsletter that highlights the newest additions to the library’s collection.

Ide said the sale’s impact goes far beyond the shelves.

Norm Weiske checks out with a bag full of Westerns at the New Ulm Library book sale, including a few by his favorite author, Louis L’Amour.

“Our children’s programs are always popular,” she said. “We’re seeing more people use the library as a gathering space, and demand for both physical and electronic materials continues to grow. It’s not just about the books–it’s about what they make possible.”

Eunice Olsen, a longtime volunteer, said she was struck by the generosity of donors. “The number of books people give us–it’s amazing,” she said. “We want every book to find a new home.”

Library book sale continues Saturday, Nov. 8, at the New Ulm Public Library, 17 N Broadway St. from 9:30 a.m. to noon for the $2 bag sale, followed by a free book giveaway from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Proceeds from the sale support library programs, technology upgrades, and outreach efforts.