The Friends of North Bend Library book sale is still going, and raising funds for children and adult programs at the library.

Last fall, the organization got creative and decided to run its book sale entirely online. So far, they’ve raised $700 from sales.

As libraries across King County remain shuttered to reduce transmission of the coronavirus, they weren’t able to do an in-person sale. This year, they’re taking pictures of bags of books for buyers. They’re being sold at a reduced rate of 50 cents for paperbacks and one dollar for hardcover books. Books can be purchased through the Friends of North Bend Library Facebook page, or by emailing ginny_irish@yahoo.com.

The revenue also helps to fund popular programs for children. One such program lets children drop off a favorite stuffed animal overnight at the library. The librarian sets the stuffed animal up with a cozy place to spend the night, and sends them photos or videos of their plush friends hanging out in the library during the sleepover.

Libraries across King County were shuttered last March as COVID-19 cases spiked across the state. The county was approved to enter Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s plan to reopen the economy in June, but libraries will remain closed for in-person public use until the county enters Phase 3.

And until the county hits Phase 4, large public gatherings, in-library events and private meeting and study rooms will remain closed.