Book sale raises record $5,700 for Fort Erie library programs
April 28, 2026 at 3:27 AM
The latest Friends of Fort Erie Public Library book sale just broke their all-time record, raising $5,700 on Saturday for programs and projects at all three library branches.
The money was raised on a pay-what-you-can donation model at the book sale and all proceeds will go into general programming and special projects for the library, although specific purchases have yet to be named.
Lynne Kumagai, vice-president of the Friends of the Fort Erie Public Library, told Fort Erie Radio that attendance rose more than 30 per cent from last year’s book sale, giving Fort Erie Public Library extra fundraising support for its Centennial, Stevensville and Crystal Ridge branches.
Credit: Friends of Fort Erie Public Library“We surpassed all previous sales, and we brought in $5,700,” said Kumagai. “We’re very, very happy with that.”
The Friends group relies on volunteers who collect and sort through donated books, DVDs and CDs from across Greater Fort Erie. Residents can drop off books every Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Crystal Ridge branch.
Kumagai said the group’s pay-what-you-can model helps keep the books affordable and shows buyers their money is going straight back into Fort Erie library services.
“They know it is going to a good cause,” said Kumagai. “They’ll buy some more books, and they’ll donate them once they’ve finished reading them.”
The Friends of Fort Erie Public Library has raised more than $100,000 for the library system over the past decade. Earlier fundraising has supported equipment, collections and programs beyond the library’s municipal operating budget.
Credit: Friends of Fort Erie Public LibraryThe group also donated $14,200 in 2024 and another $25,000 in 2025. Past purchases have included a lectern, book club kits, sensory tables and materials for children and families.
The next Friends fundraiser is a trivia night June 13 at the Legion Branch 71. The group’s next fall book sale is scheduled for October 3.
For more information on the Friends’ fundraising efforts, take a page from the library and check out their social media pages.
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Andrew Hawlitzky
Andrew is a Niagara community journalist who has covered everything from local politics to annual festivals and breaking news. He works to make local news a platform where community voices lead the conversation. "If you don't like the news, go out and make some!"
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