On the Same Page: Friends group presents Grateful Bread Sale

For the first time in nearly two years, the Friends of the Reedsburg Public Library will once again be hosting one of their popular food sales. The Grateful Bread sale, scheduled just in time for Thanksgiving, will be held on Monday, Nov. 22, starting at 8:30 a.m. and continuing while supplies last.

The Friends of the Reedsburg Public Library, a non-profit group that works to provide additional funding for library projects, has depended on thrice-yearly book sales, an annual pie sale and a fall bread sale for fundraising efforts. The last pie sale was held just before the library’s closure due to the pandemic in March of 2020. According to Kris Houtler, assistant library director and Friends’ group liaison, “Both Friends and library staff are excited to get the show on the road again for the benefit of our library!”

Bread sale customers can expect to find a variety of yeast breads, quick breads, sourdough, muffins, scones and other rolls. Bread sale shoppers may also make requests for special items to be baked at a later time by a Friends group baker. In the past, Swedish Limpa bread was a special request and has now become a bread sale staple. Prices will vary from $1 for some individual items to $6 to 7 for artisan breads. For bakers wishing to contribute to the sale, donations will be accepted on Sunday, Nov. 21, from noon to 3:00 p.m., or on Monday from 7:30 a.m. until noon. Baked items should be covered.

When asked about the bread sale’s unique name, Friends Organizer Chris Schrank commented that, aside from its play on the name of an eclectic rock band, Grateful Bread was particularly apropos, when you consider that the word bread” is just “read” with a B in front of it! She further noted that “Everything about this event defines the word ‘grateful’ from bakers, to bread, to buyers, to the library, its content and all of its services. I think patrons would give many varied responses if asked to complete the sentence, ‘I’m grateful for my library because …’”

Special projects that Friends sales have funded in the past include a new projection system in the community room, technology friendly seating in the main library, youth services’ summer program performers, unique book collections and the recently installed curbside pickup lockers.

For questions about the Grateful Bread sale or any library program or service, call the library at 608-768- READ (7323) or email info@reedsburglibrary.org.