On the last weekend in April, people flock to Southern Pines for the triple crown of fun-filled activities.

Three annual events -- the Tour de Moore Classic bicycle road race, Springfest, and Southern Pines Public Library's annual Friends' Book Sale -- draw crowds to the downtown area in search of crafts, entertainment, festival food, cyclists in Spandex shorts, and bargain books.

According to Library Director Lynn Thompson, thousands of almost-new, gently used and vintage books will be available for purchase at this year's sale.

"Books for people of all ages and interests will be available at extremely reasonable prices," says Thompson. "Proceeds from the sale will continue to benefit a variety of program for all ages sponsored by the Friends of the Southern Pines Library."

The 2009 spring book sale will be held Saturday, April 25, at the historic Train Depot, which is located on the corners of Broad Street and New Hampshire Avenue in the heart of downtown Southern Pines.

Sale hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friends of the Southern Pines Public Library is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to raising monies in support of programs, events and resources of the library.

Proceeds from the sales will continue to help fund such events as:

n Oldies & Goodies Film Series Thursday, May 14, featuring the 1941 film, "You'll Never Get Rich," with Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth.

n Pizza with Pizzazz, a program for middle school-age students on May 19.

n Saturday Afternoon at the Movies, featuring the hit movie, "WALL-E," for kids in grades 3-5.

n Reading is Fundamental (RIF) book distribution days at Southern Pines Elementary and Primary Schools.

n The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) farewell dinner for its graduating seniors.

n The Summer Reading Program for students in grades K-8.

In addition to funding programs, Friends' initiatives help purchase a variety of library books and resources, such as large print books for visually impaired readers, popular titles for patrons interested in bestsellers, and books for local pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students who are served by the Friends' Reading Is Fundamental (R.I. F.) project.

To help make the annual book sale a success, many volunteers are needed to help sort books, set up, assist customers during the sale and clean up afterward. Volunteer hours are available on Friday, April 24, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, April 25, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Those interested in volunteering should contact Book Sale Chairperson Steve Saye at (910) 235-9000.

If interested in supporting the Friends through a tax-deductible donation, or in becoming a member, contact Friends of the Southern Pines Library at P. O. Box 516, Southern Pines, NC 28388, or call the library at 692-8235 to request a brochure.

Annual Friends membership fees are $2 for students, $15 for individuals, $25 for families, and $100 for benefactors.

For more information about the Friends' Book Sale or other library events, visit www.sppl.net.

Southern Pines Public Library is located at 170 W. Connecticut Avenue in downtown Southern Pines. Library hours are: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m.