Used books and coffee will be coming soon to the Albert Lea Public Library. The Fountain Lake Bookstore, a project of the Albert Lea Public Library Foundation, is scheduled to open in September on the lower level of the City Center. Volunteers who are interested in manning the bookstore and coffee service can sign up to help with this public service project by calling Volunteer Coordinator Jane Hofkamp at 373-6736.

The Fountain Lake Bookstore results from a contract between the city of Albert Lea and the Library Foundation. The city is providing the space and the foundation will be donating all net profits for gifts and support of the Albert Lea Public Library. The project is designed to promote the library, to enhance the City Center as a public gathering place, and to help members of the community recycle their books and keep them out of the landfill. The foundation recently named Jane Hofkamp, Karol Held, Gail Batt and Grace Haukoos as the steering committee for this project.

All the used books sold at the Fountain Lake Bookstore will be donated. Donations of books will be accepted beginning Aug. 18. Starting on that date, donors will find a large blue bin on the first floor of the City Center (enter from the Fountain Street side). Donations of excellent condition used books may be placed in the bin. No magazines or products other than books in very good condition can be accepted. All donated books will be resold or recycled.

Bookstore hours will depend on demand and volunteer availability, but current plans are for the store to be manned weekday mornings and early afternoons. You can help support the Albert Lea Public Library by volunteering and by donating books. Watch for signs at the library and notices in this newspaper when an opening date and hours are set.