Volunteers work to keep Oxnard Public Library gift shop afloat

Oxnard Public Library is one of the few libraries in California with a gift shop that raises money for children’s programs by selling new gifts and used books.

The shop called Friends, Books & Things, located at the rear-entrance of the main library on South A Street in Oxnard, is run entirely by volunteers.

Felicity Harper has volunteered as the manager and buyer since 1992. She recently visited Los Angeles marts and gift shows to stock up for Small Business Saturday. The gift shop will open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday following Black Friday when the library and shop will be closed.

Harper plans to retire in January, but said she will still have a leadership role with the Oxnard Friends of the Library Foundation that makes the shop tick.

About ten volunteers will be taking over the day-to-day operations.

They are counting on the support of the community to keep the shop in business.

This time of year, longtime customers consider it a go to place for party favors, stocking stuffers, and bestsellers.