Mary Lou Melby Memorial Book Sale

Celebrate the life of local resident Mary Lou Melby during this 2-day memorial book sale!

Mary Lou was a great supporter of the Scandinavia Public Library. She loved exploring her interests and satisfying her curiosity through the library’s collections, and delighted staff with her jovial sense of humor and positive outlook.

As a life-long, avid reader, Mary Lou amassed a personal collection of over 3,300 books. After she passed in June, 2025, the family decided to donate this collection to the Scandinavia Public Library to use for a fundraising event in support of the library.

Mary Lou’s collection, along with a smaller number of used library books, will be available for the public to browse on Thursday, November 14, from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. and on Saturday, November 15 from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Fiction and non-fiction; books, audiobooks and DVDs; standard print and large print; children’s, teen, and adult materials will all be available. No prices will be marked; patrons simply need to make a donation to the library, and they can take home a stack of ‘new to them’ books!

The library will have gifts available for different donation levels as well:

• donate $2 to receive a library pin
• donate $5 to receive a package of Scandinavian Star ornaments
• donate $20 to receive a canvas library book tote
• donate $25 to receive all three items!

Mary Lou is very much missed by our staff, and the Scandinavia Public Library is grateful to the Melby family for this opportunity.