Peninsula Library Friends hold holiday gift-shop sale; members get 20% discount to raise funds for libraries

Merlin David, executive director of the Peninsula Library Friends Foundation, welcomed RPVTV and announced the foundation’s year-end gift-shop sale, saying members receive a 20% discount and that “100% of the proceeds go to supporting the library.”

The sale is part of the Friends’ fundraising work to supplement library funding, which Merlin David said is otherwise covered by taxes while the foundation depends on donations and volunteer labor. He thanked members and volunteers who staff the gift shop and run monthly book sales.

Darlene, a member of the Friends who works in the gift shop, described the shop’s inventory—cards, jewelry, gifts for children and men, and seasonal clothing including hats and fingerless gloves—and said those purchases are “a source of revenue for the funds.”

An attendee identified by Darlene as another member said she supports the Friends “because I love libraries” and added she moved next door to be close to the library. The remark underscored the volunteer and community commitment that foundation leaders said sustain their work.

Michelle Witt, who said she has worked with the Friends for almost 14 years and runs the used-book room, described the range of items sold there—used books, vintage books, games, puzzles, CDs and DVDs—and said sales generate a “great amount of money to support our library.”

Merlin David also outlined the group’s book-sale schedule: monthly sales on the first weekend at the Peninsula Center Library, the third weekend at the Malagov Library, and ongoing availability at the Mira Lehi Library. He and other volunteers urged community members to shop; Darlene reminded shoppers that their purchases directly support library services.

The Friends framed the sale as both a community event and a key fundraising channel that relies on volunteers; they expressed gratitude to members and donors for sustaining the libraries.