PITTSTON — Pittston Memorial Library closed out the year with its Fifth Annual Christmas Holiday Book and Boutique Sale Dec. 3.

“It’s a great response. It’s all local crafters, handmade only and, with the book sale, we get quite a few people and we’re thrilled with the response,” said Patricia Joyce, library director.

Twenty vendors set up shop in the library’s Cosgrove Community Room along with a bake sale conducted by the library’s teen group. The basement of the library was the site of the book sale held by The Friends of the Library.

Proceeds from the day go towards operation costs, according to Joyce. “The Friends raise the money and it goes towards children’s program throughout the year.”

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“The Friends of the Library’s function is to raise funds to supply all the programs we do for the kids, teenagers, grandmothers, etc.,” said Maria Capolarella-Montante, president of the Friends. The Holiday Book Sale was one of three book sales held during the year by the Friends.

“We are the backbone for raising funds so things are going on here,” Capolarella-Montante added. “I have to say the women are truly, truly dedicated.” Approximately 25 Friends of the Library are dedicated to the success of the library.

Capolarella-Montante went on to say she was thrilled with the amount of people using the library with all the programs offered.

Crafter Marfisa Busch set up a stand for the first time for this year’s Boutique Sale. She specializes in needle felting since Oct. 2015.

“I like to see people’s reactions and enjoyment to hand-crafted items and it warms my heart,” Busch said.

Her collection for sale at the library featured Christmas ornaments and items, farm animals, dream catchers, wall tapestries as well as Tomato Festival items, including a Pittston tomato face.

Other crafters on hand offered hand-painted ornaments, themed pillows, dolls, jewelry and more.

Mrs. Claus will be at the library to read to the children at 1 p.m. Dec. 18. Milk and cookies will be provided.

“Next year, we hope to incorporate the Holiday Book and Boutique and have Santa and Mrs. Claus on hand,” Joyce said.

Lu-Ann and Leo Sperrazza wait for hand-painted Christmas ornaments made to order by Robyn Todd, Plains, of Alice’s Wonderland.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_Librarysale1.jpg.optimal.jpgLu-Ann and Leo Sperrazza wait for hand-painted Christmas ornaments made to order by Robyn Todd, Plains, of Alice’s Wonderland.

Vanessa Norton, left, of Sew 4 You, sells a few pillows to Dawn Marie McQuade, Pittston, center, and Mercedes Arlington, Pittston.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_Librarysale2.jpg.optimal.jpgVanessa Norton, left, of Sew 4 You, sells a few pillows to Dawn Marie McQuade, Pittston, center, and Mercedes Arlington, Pittston.

Barbara Quinn, Pittston, looks over the handmade Christmas items at the Pittston Memorial Library’s Book and Boutique sale.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_Librarysale3.jpg.optimal.jpgBarbara Quinn, Pittston, looks over the handmade Christmas items at the Pittston Memorial Library’s Book and Boutique sale.

Marfisa Busch busily hand-crafts another ornament behind her collection of needle felted creations.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_Librarysale4.jpg.optimal.jpgMarfisa Busch busily hand-crafts another ornament behind her collection of needle felted creations.

Albina Fonzo, Jenkins Twp., looks over a purse during the book sale and flea market items sold by The Friends of the Library.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_Librarysale5.jpg.optimal.jpgAlbina Fonzo, Jenkins Twp., looks over a purse during the book sale and flea market items sold by The Friends of the Library.
Friends of the Pittston Memorial Library hold fifth annual event

By Tony Callaio

For Sunday Dispatch

Reach the Sunday Dispatch newsroom at 570-655-1418.