A group of volunteers dedicated to helping the library system of Brandeis University gathered on Sunday, Mar. 6, for a book sale in front of the Publix Supermarket on S. Dixie Highway at 147th Street in Palmetto Bay.
An array of hardcover books and trade paperbacks in excellent condition had been donated to the organization for the fundraiser and filled tables lining the sidewalk in front of the store. The fiction and non-fiction books in every category were priced at just $2 each despite being worth $25 or more.
The proceeds benefit Brandeis University Libraries, Scholarships and Research, and the event was organized by the South Miami Chapter of Brandeis National Committee. The thousands of books donated throughout the year are stored in warehouse space donated by an area businessman.
“All of these books are donated to us,” said volunteer Myrna Wheatman. “We have a warehouse and all of the books are in great shape.”
The Brandeis University National Women’s Committee is the largest “friends of a library” group in the world with 48,000 members nationwide. The volunteer fundraising organization has contributed more than $58 million in support of the libraries of Brandeis University in Waltham, MA, while utilizing the resources of the university to provide unique education programs for its members.
“The Brandeis National Committee is not made up of Brandeis members,” said Linda Zahler, one of the event organizers. “One of the reasons the book sale is as popular as it is is that all of the used books are sold to raise money to buy new books for the library.”
The group is made up of volunteers that have been meeting for years in this location. But it began elsewhere according to Sharon Rothberg.
“Our first sale was in 1984 in South Miami, on the street,” Rothberg said. “Here there’s room for many more books. We have to thank Publix. They have been wonderful to us.”
For information about the project contact either Rene Brodsky at 305-665-5842 or Linda Zahler at 305-661-3245.
