The 38th Annual Friends of the C.H. Booth Library Book Sale opened beneath dreary skies, Saturday morning, July 13, the first time in the history of the book sale that the first day has not been greeted by sunshine.

But sudden showers periodically bursting from the clouds did not prevent ticket purchasers from lining up, beginning at 7 am. Many then went about their business, returning to a guaranteed place in line as the 9 am opening time grew near.

Inside the Reed Intermediate School on Trades Lane, where the auditorium, cafetorium, and art room had been repurposed in recent days to accomodate the thousands of books, DVDs, CDs, and other book sale items, volunteers hustled about making last minute preparations for the crowds. A pep talk from Friends' volunteer and sale organizer Denise Kaiser raised already high spirits - and then the doors opened.

A rather orderly crowd of over 200 swiftly made its way into the lobby and dispersed to the areas in which they hoped to find that special treasure, or just some good beach reading material.

The Friends of the C.H. Booth Library Book Sale continues through Wednesday, July 17, opening each day at 9 am. For detailed information visit www.boothbooksale.org.