The Shepherdstown Community Club (SCC) in preparation for its annual “Legendary Book Sale” will hold its final drop-off for collection of books on Aug. 9 at the War Memorial Park pavilion.

I urge everyone who has books that they would like to donate to take advantage of this opportunity. As most people in the community know, the funds raised by the sale of your books help us to continue operation of the War Memorial Building in town and the park. Our wonderful volunteers will be there to assist you in unloading and sort the books into specific categories for the sale. The actual sale will be held on Oct. 9-19 at the War Memorial Building in town. Following this final organized collection effort, we will spend the remaining time before the October sale in making preparations, sorting and staging them for presentation on both floors of the building. We greatly value your contributions. Finding a home for your much-loved books is as important as fundraising considerations.

Like many seniors in our community, I am going through the painful process of sorting and determining the fate of my life-long collections of treasures from world travels, in pursuit of military and civil careers. Foremost in this effort are my books. Knowing Shepherdstown as I do, I am sure other families find themselves in the same situation. It helps, understanding that the intrinsic value of our books will be appreciated. They are like particularly focused time capsules harboring unique experiences and hard-earned knowledge and your insight in having them reflects your appreciation of their value. When you come, if there are unique features of your books, please let us know.

In this regard, books on local personalities, history and unique features of our community are greatly appreciated.

Finally, we don’t just collect books. We collect people. Volunteers are highly valued and, you will find, fun to work with.

Mike Austin, of Shepherdstown