All proceeds from book sales are used to benefit the Dixon Public Library 

DIXON, CA (MPG) - The pandemic that shut most Americans down, didn’t stop ingenuity and energy. It might have funneled it in a different direction perhaps, giving some a chance to solve bigger problems.

For the volunteers of The Friendly Bookworm Bookstore who never had enough room to process or display great covers, they got time to pursue a long-desired option with Solano County to expand into the rest of the large commercial building known as ‘The Annex’ on the corner of East B and North First Streets.

The little elongated space which was lined on both sides by bookshelves has now expanded to consume most of the large first floor thanks to the Friends of the Dixon Public Library, who founded and run the non-profit group and is now served by Sharon Swifka, President. They have been busy sorting, alphabetizing, cleaning, and arranging the books and other products to share with the public.

“During COVID, people really went through their books,” said volunteer Lois Pierce, who also serves as Secretary for the organization as she stood near at least a dozen boxes yet to be put out on shelves. She is a long-time volunteer and showed off the many areas throughout the building while complimenting Erma Hill, a co-manager who has top organization skills.

The large rooms don’t look too much different than any library except maybe the shelves are older and made of solid wood. The bookshelves are stacked high with gently-used books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, magazines, puzzles, and games. But all are perfectly organized by topic. One whole room is designated for children’s books and offers a table and chair.

The store’s regular hours are 11 am to 2 pm Wednesday and Friday, 2 to 6 pm on Thursday, and 12 to 3 pm on Saturday.

The prices remain the same with most items priced at $1 or under. All proceeds from book sales are used to benefit the Dixon Public Library like co-sponsoring summer reading programs for all ages and purchasing books, furnishings and equipment for the library.

Most of the books at the used bookstore have been donated by generous Dixon neighbors or from other Public Libraries. Donations of clean and gently used books and other media are always appreciated. They may be made during store hours and a receipt is available for tax purposes. The library also accepts donations for the bookstore during their open hours.

The bookstore is run entirely by volunteers and they need more. If you are interested in spending time in a quiet, cool library seeing all kinds of books and other dedicated readers, please pick up a volunteer application during business hours or contact us at [email protected] or 707-624-0144. Volunteers must be high school age or above. Or, you can become a member with dues starting at $5 for an individual, family is $10, or patron for $25.