APL Foundation News

 

 "Grand Opening" of "Books Revisited" at the White Sands Mall was a HUGE success with over 300 people in attendance!

Maura Heaton, 13, of Roswell relaxes with a book as she waits for her father, Michael Heaton, to finish shopping at the new Books Revisited at White Sands Mall.

Alamogordo Daily News
June 3, 2011 edition
Beverly Eckman-Onyskow

"Beautiful." "Impressive." "A much nicer environment."

Those were just some of the comments from the more than 300 people at the grand opening of Books Revisited Thursday at White Sands Mall.

"It looks like a real book store, I love it," said Esther Doyon, who started coordinating the library book sales in 2000.

The store has more than 15,000 books, attractively displayed in a large, bright room.

Michael Heaton of Roswell and his 13-year-old daughter Maura were first in line. He said he came to the book sales previously held at the old IGA building, and had called to ask when the next one was. Those were directed by Doyon and Joyce Dingman, raising more than $100,000 for the library since 2005.

Heaton was told the Alamogordo Public Library Foundation (APLF), the fund-raising arm for the library, had moved the book sale to a year-round venture at the mall.

"Over the years, I've bought more than anybody. We're a reading family," Heaton said. "The sale has good-quality books, at decent prices."

"Reading is fun," Maura added. "I like to read a lot, because it adds to my knowledge." She camped out in a chair in the Kids Korner, reading, of course.

Joe Quintana, APLF chairman, greeted the crowd. "We have a good day for our grand opening," he said. "This is great for the library and for our community, and we look forward to seeing all our community friends come here. We have great deals on great books and great volunteers."

A score of volunteers from the APLF and the Friends of the Library provided assistance. Friends president Amy Rivers and library board members Gretchen Golly, Rita Wirta and Pat Trautman were present in support of Books Revisited.

"I'm impressed with the amount of effort that was put in, and I'm impressed with the volunteers," said Alamogordo city manager Mark Roath, accompanied by assistant city manager Matt McNeil, who termed the store "fantastic."

At 11:30, APLF' board member Flori McElderry and Chamber Ambassador Eli Levy held the ribbon ends, while Doyon and Dingman did the ribbon-cutting, to cheers from the crowd. Ambassadors Jim and Helen Thompson presented a plaque and a plant from the chamber.

Michelle Brideaux of Mountain View Catering brought water, coffee, fruits and a variety of munchies, the refreshments provided by the APLF board. She is also an Ambassador.

"I really didn't know what to expect, and I'm very impressed," Brideaux said. "There's a large selection of books, and it's a main addition to our mall."

Marvin Ott of Alamogordo bought the first book, "Rio Grande," by Tony Hillerman, from cashier Lyla Willits.

"I'm a member of the Friends of the Library, and I'll be a volunteer cashier tomorrow," he said. "This is a fantastic resource for those of us who live on a limited income."

McElderry said dozens of people had been waiting for the gate to go up.

"We're excited," she said.

Dingman said she was very impressed that the Books Revisited donation drop box, located on the back side of the mall just south of Bealls was full when she checked it.

Kids Korner was set up by volunteer Debbie Daniels.

"It's very inviting for children, and has a good selection," said Ami Jones, the library's youth services director. She was one of the library staffers present. Others include Steve Haydu, Melissa Garcia, Bonnie Meagher, Annie Tyrell, Donna Valdez, Rachel McElderry and retired librarian Mary Leslie Schmitt .