Originally published in the Chillicothe Gazette on April 20, 2025.

Libraries are all about possibilities. My elementary school library was a snug little room tucked at the top of a secret stairwell. Ambitious shelving, stretching to the incredibly high ceiling. The large, ancient windows casting light into the sacred space.

I’d stand patiently in line, actually quiet for once, waiting to embark on what I imagined was a fantastical journey from our classroom to the library. I’d visualize my fellow students as a collection of adventurers, readying ourselves for a trek through a troll-guarded valley and up the side of a mountain, seeking a great temple of truth. In reality, our teacher guided a string of third graders through sterile hallways inhabited by the occasional glaze-eyed student (dreaming of recess or lunch) and up a series of shadowed stairwells. It was no temple, but our cozy loft library practically vibrated with possibilities.

Every story was a chance to lead a new life. I was in awe every single time.

The same fantastical feeling hit me the first time I entered the Friends of the Library Book Sale at the Main Library Annex. Passing through the door transformed me into a road-weary traveler stumbling into a beautiful oasis, but instead of water, it was overflowing with books. With possibilities! In reality, I was not road weary. I literally walked from one building to the other, but the sheer size of the sale was a site to behold. It felt significant, worthy of a Lord of the Rings-esque journey.

Even more impressive than the massive sale is that The Friends of the Library host it every April. The Friends of the Library is a community organization that has been raising money to support CRCPL for over 40 years. They are an incredibly valued partner and the money they make goes directly to benefit our library. Meaning money spent at the sale directly benefits you, our patrons.

No matter what kind of story speaks to you, this sale has something worth seeking. In addition to physical books, there are audiobooks, DVDs, Video Games, and even the occasional VHS tape! The treasure hunt begins from 4 to 7 p.m. April 23 with a Members Only Night.

Memberships are available for purchase at any library location or at the Book Sale door.

Public hours begin from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 24; from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 25; and from 9 a.m. to noon April 26.

Plan your own fantastical journey and join us as Meeting Room B transforms into a bustling book market, bursting with possibilities! You are sure to find something worth the trip.

Sheena Brown is an aspiring Fantasy Adventurer and story lover working as an Enrichment, Communications and Marketing Clerk at the Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library