Volunteers (from left) Mariko Higashi and Sharon Beach of the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset, visitor Jerry Moses representing the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise and Maui Friends of the Library’s Sara Foley were among those packing 15,000 books destined for the new Maui Friends of the Library bookstore at the Outlets of Maui at Front and Papalaua streets in Lahaina.

LAHAINA – Setting in motion a plan to move its used bookstore from the Wharf Cinema Center to the Outlets of Maui, Maui Friends of the Library volunteers from Lahaina Rotary Clubs and the West Maui Book Club last week packed 15,000 used and new books for delivery to the new location.

The Outlets of Maui store is the second MFOL location at a major shopping venue. MFOL’s flagship store operates at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center. The nonprofit also has a warehouse store in Puunene.

Funds raised from its highly successful stores enabled MFOL to donate a $300,000 bookmobile to the state library system.

MFOL also makes significant contributions to Maui County’s nine libraries to support programs and purchase various library materials.

Organized by Lahaina Store Manager Jo Ann Carroll and Maui Friends of the Library Director Sara Foley, the move will enable MFOL to be even more effective in supporting Maui’s nine libraries.

“MFOL established the bookstores to keep thousands of books – including classics and other valuable books – out of the landfill,” Foley said.

The most valuable books MFOL acquires from donors are sold on the non-profit’s website.

Carroll notes that MFOL continues to need volunteers to staff the three stores.

MFOL continually needs help sorting and shelving books, assisting patrons and operating the cash register at its stores. One major perk of volunteering is getting first crack at the newly donated books.

MFOL seeks the following items in good condition: books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, audio books, records, puzzles and board games.

As the MFOL is a 501(c)(3) organization, all donations are tax-deductible. A receipt will be provided upon request.

According to its website, Maui Friends of the Library’s goals include assisting in maintaining Maui County’s free libraries, promoting the extension of library services throughout the County of Maui, increasing the facilities of the libraries by securing materials beyond the command of the ordinary library budget and enriching the cultural opportunities available to the people of Maui.

For more information on Maui Friends of the Library, visit www.mfol.org.