Friends of the C.H. Booth Library is hosting its annual Holiday Book and Gift Sale at C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, until December 31, during library hours.

The sale began on November 23 and features a wide variety of affordable new and like-new gift-quality books, jigsaw puzzles, games, and unique items for everyone on a gift list, as announced by the group.

The Holiday Book and Gift Sale takes place on the second floor of the library across from the main circulation desk. The Little Book Store to the left of the main circulation desk will also be stocked with books and media that may appeal to everyone on a gift list.

Shoppers will find a good selection of adult and children’s fiction and non-fiction, cookbooks, and coffee table books. Children’s books are organized by reading level. There is also be a large selection of activity books for all ages, including adult coloring books. Holiday themed and non-holiday themed items are on hand as well as many one-of-a-kind items. The stock will be replenished frequently over the course of the sale.

Library Director Douglas Lord noted, “This will provide Newtown and library patrons with a festive and comfortable way to shop in what could be a stressful holiday season this year. You can make it easy on yourself and come into the library to do your holiday shopping. For very reasonable prices you can pick up gifts for loved ones and yourselves, reconnect with the library, and help your community. We are very grateful to the Friends for sponsoring this event because proceeds from the sale will be used to help the library.”

Lord also said the Friends of C. H. Booth library are providing a “sense of normalcy during this strange time” by offering the Holiday Book and Gift Sale, and that it offers items for reasonable prices.

“No matter the circumstances, the Friends have been finding ways to support Newtown for over 50 years,” Lord added. “From parking lot sales to farmers markets to this re-imagined version of the perennially popular holiday sale, the Friends are masters of what’s possible. They never give up!”

Friends of C. H. Booth Library President Toni Earnshaw highlighted that this year’s sale offers gifts for adults, stocking stuffers, jigsaw puzzles, brand-new puzzles, “literary origami” by artist Donna Marschalk, and coloring books.

Manager of the Little Book Store Marge Gingolaski said she encourages library patrons to “make sure to visit the Little Book Store while you’re there. It’s just beyond the main circulation desk. It’s a hidden gem of a book store right inside the library. All year round the Little Book Store sells affordable books for all ages and interests and you will find even more holiday gift items there.”

The Friends and the library thank patrons in advance for adhering to the current public health guidelines: Wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and use the hand sanitizer while shopping. Sanitizing stations are available throughout the building to keep the library and library grounds a safe place for the community.

For an added measure of safety, the Friends have arranged for two contactless payment options: Shoppers can either leave cash or a check in the secure cash boxes on site or go to boothbooksale.org to pay by credit card or through PayPal. Shoppers can check the library website at chboothlibrary.org or call 203-426-4533 to confirm library hours.