“Let me know if there is anything I can help you with,” said the woman with a smile as I entered the Monroe BOOKtique. She was one of the many volunteers who keep Lake Oswego’s two used BOOKtique bookstores running smoothly.

She meant what she said. I have been in this store numerous times, often with a mission to locate a specific book. A volunteer is always ready to help and guide.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of the BOOKtiques. It is their dedication, hard work, and welcoming presence that keep customers returning, searching for specific books, chatting and catching up, or browsing the aisles, unencumbered by time passing and To-Do lists. 

Volunteers keep the shelves stocked, the place clean and orderly, but it’s their love of books and people that creates the BOOKtique’swarm and delightful space.       

To thank these dedicated volunteers and recognize all that they do to keep the BOOKtiques not only open but also a joy to visit, the Friends of Lake Oswego Public Library Board hosted a BOOKtique Volunteer Luncheon July 20th at Adisaya Thai Restaurant in Lake Oswego. Edward Jones Financial Advisers, the employer of one of our Board Members, gave a $500 donation to support the event.

The group took over the entire dining room. From all accounts there were stories, much conversing, catching up with friendships, and lots of laughs. The food was delicious, plentiful, and anyone who wanted was able to take home leftovers.

Everyone received a ticket for a drawing at the end and many prizes were given out. All in all, a successful event.

BOOKtique store sales fund many of Lake Oswego Public Library programs. This cadre of book-loving, book-knowledgeable, hard-working, and ever cheerful volunteers is what helps make our community a great place to live.

THANK YOU TO OUR BOOKTIQUE VOLUNTEERS!

Operated by the Friends of Lake Oswego Public Library, three BOOKtique options serve our Lake Oswego community:

• Monroe BOOKtique at 4 Monroe Pkwy Suite B, across the road from New Seasons
• City Hall BOOKtique at 380 A Ave Suite B, in City Hall
• Self-Serve BOOKtique Annex in the library foyer

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