St. Andrews Free Book Table returns to Spring Farmer’s Market

St. Andrews Free Book Exchange Table, a huge success last fall, returns to the Tucker Farmer’s Market this month when it reopens on church grounds April 18th. The Book Table was a success, not because we received lots of book donations and gave away a ton of books. The Table was a success because it became a place of contact with myriad neighbors from Tucker and beyond. Nancy Qarmout, Farmers Market director, graciously placed our table at the market’s entry so every shopper passed it. Book Table volunteers delighted in greeting everyone as they entered the market. After inviting them to the table with the lure of “free books!,” we engaged browsers in light conversation about books, the weather, the market, and so forth. We met so many interesting and engaging neighbors. One young woman was newly transplanted to Atlanta and was thrilled to find a book on adoptions, just as she was praying through the decision to adopt. Several shoppers with children used the treat of a new book to appease, encourage, and yes, even bribe good behavior from restless little shoppers. We fielded occasional questions about St. Andrews church and, when appropriate, extended invitations to visit. At least one market shopper did.

Whether or not book browsers consider visiting our church, we value this opportunity to serve and get to know our neighbors and community, and for them to get to know us as a church that loves and serves.

This spring we need your help with the Free Book Table. We need volunteers to help sort and prepare book donations, to set up and break down our display, and to host the table during Market hours. We’ll be there for the Market’s opening day April 18th and most 1st and 3rd Thursdays throughout the summer. The two hosting shifts (4-5:30 pm; 5:30-7 pm) pass quickly as you come to enjoy interacting with neighbors, fellow volunteers and even other vendors. It’s a place of real community-building.

We also need gently loved books. We especially need children’s books, and well-kept novels and histories. Other popular genres include travel books and cook books. If you have gently used books you’d be willing to pass on — that you’d be proud to share — please drop them off at the church office or leave in the bin in the Narthex labeled “Book Table.” We appreciate your well-considered donations. Once again to join the Book Table team, contact LaVerne to get on the schedule: by email; or call 678-429-0411.