DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Friends of the New Gloucester Public Library announce its Fall Book and Bake Sale on Sunday, Sept. 24, from noon to 3 p.m. at the New Gloucester Community Building, 381 Intervale Road.

Members of the Friends are invited to a preview sale at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome to join the Friends that day, if they are not already a member.

The Friends book sales are a cherished tradition in New Gloucester that may have begun as early as 1960, when discarded books were placed on sale at the library in order to generate a little income. In the Friends book and bake sales of today, members of the community come together to visit and to nibble on homemade cookies and bars while browsing the selections and getting a jump on holiday shopping.

The public is invited to donate books to the sale by bringing them to the New Gloucester Public Library at 379 Intervale Road during open hours. We are also hosting two targeted book collection days on Wednesday, Aug. 23, from 3-5 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 27, from 1-3 p.m. at the library.

Of particular interest are children’s books and adult fiction and nonfiction. Please limit donations to two cartons or four grocery-size 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. The Friends group is not accepting Reader’s Digest Condensed books, encyclopedias, text books, magazines, VHS tapes, DVDs, or CDs. — Annemarie, New Gloucester

ANSWER: These book sales are a lot of work and I appreciate all the volunteerism that goes into making them happen year after year.

As someone who used to be involved in library book sales, I encourage everyone to please bring books that are in good condition with no pen/pencil marks, dog-eared, torn pages, or ripped covers.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Montello Elementary School, 405 East Ave. (795-4150), Thomas J. McMahon Elementary School, 151 North Temple St. (795-4130), Lewiston Middle School, 75 Central Ave. (795-4180), Lewiston High School, 156 East Ave. (795-4190), Raymond V. Geiger Elementary School, 601 College St. (795-4160), Farwell Elementary School, 84 Farwell St. (795-4110), Robert V. Connors Elementary School, 400 Bartlett St. (795-4130), all in Lewiston, announce participation in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program.

Meals are available at no separate charge to all children. In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture civil rights regulations and policies, these institutions are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

The Maine Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, religion, ancestry, or national origin. For more information, contact the above identified institutions. — Jeannie, Lewiston

ANSWER: For many children, this is a very important program. Thank you for sending this info to Sun Spots so parents know this is happening for another year.

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