A tradition that can’t be beat, Lincoln Public Library’s annual Buck-a-bag Book Sale [July 23, 2015]  LINCOLN - Once again, early arrivals lined the steps to the front door of the Lincoln Public Library’s annual Buck-a-bag Book Sale, some arriving well before the 9 a.m. opening time. Lincoln Christian University librarian Mike Reid and his wife were first in line. Lincoln College professor Ron Keller and his wife were third in line, having relinquished their normal first place to Mike. The Peagram Room in the library basement was filled with books of every description, the quantity and quality of the books produce an irresistible magnet for Lincoln’s book lovers.

The Lincoln Public Library is located at 725 Pekin St., with adult nonfiction and reference materials in the historic Carnegie Building. The Annex directly behind houses adult fiction and the Youth Services Department. All library events are free and open to the public. Online, visit www.lincolnpubliclibrary.org. Hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Phone [phone] for adult services and 217-732-5732 for youth services.

“I’m looking for history books and those on politics,” said Ron Keller. Mike Reid said “I just browse and if something catches my eye, I’ll grab it.”

Many of the buck-a-bag patrons were there to see if they could find books on the children’s table to supplement the books in their classrooms. Bill and Betsy Lewis were there to see if they could come up with books for Betsy’s fourth grade class at Carroll Catholic School. Ruth Reid from Christian Child Care was also browsing for books for her young charges.

Richard Sumrall, LPL director, said the sale will go on all day Saturday and would be extended to Sunday if there are any books left. “I anticipate that there will be a steady flow through the library all day, especially with people looking for a place to cool off on this steamy day,” he said. The library even invites book lovers to come in next week to see if anything is left. “The shelves are generally bare when we get done with the sale,” he said.

[Curt Fox]