DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Friends of the New Gloucester Public Library is looking for donations for our fall book sale. Please bring your donations to the New Gloucester Public Library at 379 Intervale Road in the Lower Village during the following hours: Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Monday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, 1-7 p.m.; Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are also hosting two book collection dates: Sunday, July 30, and Sunday, Aug. 27, from 1-3 p.m. at the library.

We’re particularly looking for children’s books and adult fiction and nonfiction. Please limit donations to two cartons or four grocery-sized bags. Containers will not be returned and library staff will not be available to assist in unloading donations. All materials should be clean and free of odors, mold and mildew. Friends is not accepting Reader’s Digest Condensed books, encyclopedias, text books, magazines, VHS tapes, DVDs or CDs.

Stay tuned for an announcement about the fall book sale date. And thank you all for your continued support. — Annemarie, New Gloucester

ANSWER: I love a good book sale! I hope you get lots of donations and support. If you’re looking for volunteers, I can let readers know about that too! Just say the word.

And if anyone knows of other book sales in the readership area, please share your information.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I remember you once published a list of businesses that do tent repair. On our camping trip last weekend in the rain, we broke one of the zippers. Can you help? — Gail, Lewiston

ANSWER: If the tent is fairly new, the company where you bought it may make good on it by replacing the tent or repairing it. They may also send you to a local place that specializes in the repair then reimburse you. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

The Tent Shop in Monmouth (312-0493) should be able to help you. The company also rents tents for parties, so hang on to that information!

You can also try a shoe repair shop or an upholstery shop. They have the right equipment to sew a new zipper in that tent flap for you. I can recommend Paul’s Shoe Repair in Lisbon (854-4338) and Doreen Gendron at Unique Designs (754-0048).

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a small in-town yard and am thinking about buying an electric lawn mower and weed trimmer. I would be grateful if readers who have bought these machines would give me recommendations on brands and what to look for. It’s a little overwhelming as this is entirely new to me.  — Gigi, Lewiston

ANSWER: Readers, let us know if you have one, what the pros and cons are, and where you purchased your lawnmower and trimmer. You’ll probably be helping readers besides Gigi too!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m writing this with tears in my eyes. I was at Walmart this past weekend with my three children and an older gentleman insisted on paying for our groceries. He said he was doing it in honor of his deceased wife’s 85th birthday. He has no idea what a difference this made to me and I’ll never forget him. — No name, Mechanic Falls

ANSWER: What a way to celebrate a loved one. I hope this is an inspiration to others.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name. We won’t use it if you ask us not to. Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.