Friends of the Jefferson County Public Library announced today its largest fundraiser.

The volunteer group raised more than $69,000 at its annual Whale of a Used Book Sale, the largest sale-to-date. In total, 86,000 books, videos, CDs and more were sold to countless community members and collectors. Money raised during the sale supports many Jefferson County Public Library programs, including the free summer reading clubs for children and teens, the Traveling Children's Library and the Knott's Kids - Discovering the Possibilitiesprogram.

The sale also benefits other community non-profit organizations. At the end of the book sale, community groups are given an opportunity to pick up remaining books, at no charge, to be used for their own fundraising efforts.This year, six non-profit agencies received more than 1,100 free books.

Friends of Jefferson County Public Library is a group of dedicated library volunteers with a vision to enhance library use county-wide and bring awareness of the value of libraries to the community. The Friends, working under the patronage of the Jefferson County Library Foundation, help support many programs at the Jefferson County Public Library.

During the Friends annual preview night, donations were accepted for the Clifden Library inIreland to build a much-needed children's program. The Library Foundation is sending donations and a small collection of children's books to the Library, after two library Friends discovered the tiny spot.

Throughout the year, the Jefferson County Library Foundation helps the Library fund literacy programs at its 10 locations.Theprograms help stir children's imaginations through reading and encourage a lifelong love of learning. Jefferson County Public Library services are available for free to anyColorado resident.

For more information or to join Friends of Jefferson County Public Library, please call the Jefferson County Library Foundation at (303) 275-2240.