DEAR SUN SPOTS: You are a great locator of information and help. We have many used, books both hard and soft covers, in great condition that we are interested in removing from our house, also a set of encyclopedias with 21 books and 18 years of updates. Is there any place in the area that purchases used books or organizations interested in free books in a variety of styles and topics? Thanks for your great work. Call 784-7748 or 514-4546. — Clem Clements, Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots is afraid that the Internet has brought the time of the encyclopedia to an end. No one she spoke to would take them or had any suggestions for what to do with them. You may be able to recycle them. Sun Spots’ transfer station will take hard-cover books if you remove the covers.

As for your other books, there are several options. Both the Auburn and Lewiston public libraries take used books. The Auburn library had a book sale Saturday and is accepting new books for the next sale in April. If you have questions, call Sharon Hawkes, administrative librarian, 333-6640, ext. 2023. She also said that for those who need assistance, they will pick up books from homes in Lewiston and Auburn.

The Lewiston library has an ongoing sale of books at the front entrance to the library. You may drop books off there as well. Both libraries will also take CDs, DVDs and audiobooks.

Goodwill also takes books, except for textbooks and Reader’s Digest condensed books.

Another option is the Androscoggin County Jail. If you would like to donate to them, you must first call Noel at 784-3053, ext. 221, to gain access to the jail to drop off your books.

One important caveat for all of these options: All the books must be clean and in good condition — no mold. And consider the kinds of books you have and donate them appropriately. For example, Sun Spots donated adventure, mystery and self-help books to her local jail. Romance novels would not be a good fit there; however, they will probably sell well at Goodwill. None of the organizations Sun Spots spoke to wanted old textbooks.

As for selling books, there are very few used bookstores anymore. That market has moved to the Internet. The one listing in the Lewiston phone book is for General Eclectic, 926-4060. The owner said he no longer has a storefront (no customers came), but he will buy books to sell on the Internet.

Sun Spots has sold books on both Amazon.com and Half.com, but found that only certain books have enough value to be worth the effort. Popular novels sell for pennies on the dollar. But if you have an out-of-print edition, that can be worthwhile. For example, Sun Spots bought Mr. Sun Spots a used book on chipmunks that is no longer available and had to pay $12 for it. More recent textbooks and technical manuals may also sell.

Lastly, the charity in the next letter is willing to accept books.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Cottrell-Taylor Christmas Basket Fund was established about 40 years ago in memory of Henry L. Cottrell, a past principal, and later Robert Taylor, a former Monmouth teacher. Its purpose is to provide Christmas dinners and gifts for families in Monmouth who are in need during the holiday season. The fund is sustained through donations.

The committee is working hard and accepting donations for struggling families. We realize times are difficult, so we think it is important to remember the children during the holidays. The fund requires your generous gifts to succeed. Your consideration is appreciated. In addition to monetary donations, we can use new clothing, toys, hats, mittens, gloves, games, puzzles, school supplies and books for all ages.

If you choose to donate money, a check can be written to the Cottrell-Taylor Christmas Basket Fun and left with one of the school secretaries or mailed to Laurie Gifford (P.O. Box 218, Monmouth, ME 04259). The donations would be most helpful by Dec. 1. We are grateful for your help. — Penny Robertson, Monmouth

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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