The Signal Hill Public Library’s best kept secret sits in the center of the building, and if someone walks by too quickly, they just might miss it. In fact, most people walk right by the library’s little shop, assuming the books are only for rental.
With scant signs and great finds, Cecilia Fidora with the Friends of the Signal Hill Library, works hard to spread the word about the three shelves filled with books for sale.
“Once people use that little bookstore nook, they always come back,” Fidora said.
The shop offers a rotating cast of biographies, non-fiction and fiction novels, travel books, children’s books, magazines, CDs, audiobooks and more. Residents will never pay more than $1 per book, and throughout the month of December, the shop is hosting a buy-one, get-one free sale.
When Fidora is not at the shop, residents pay using the honor system by adding up their own tab and placing their cash into a donation box. While it’s a convenient system, those people miss out on talking shop with Fidora, who acts as the one-woman curator and bookseller who often remembers what types of books her loyal patrons enjoy and saves what she thinks they might like.
Now retired, Fidora said she goes to the library nearly every day, fueled by her love for books and desire to provide that same joy for children and Signal Hill residents. All funds made from the bookstore are fed back into the community through the Friends of the Signal Hill Library.
The nonprofit has been around since the ‘80s, hosting free events such as author talks, story times, crafts for children and movie nights.
Fidora said she is always trying to recruit more members to their party of 35. Membership costs $10 a year.
“I would love younger members, they have more energy and ideas and imagination,” Fidora said. “The sky’s the limit. We can be doing all kinds of things, but it always comes back to the books.”
To keep the bookstore replenished, the Friends of Signal Hill Library hosts a monthly book donation drive-up on the first Saturday of each month from noon to 2 p.m. Regular customers, Fidora said, often visit the bookstore the following Monday to see what new treasures await.
Twice a year the bookstore is wiped out and set to start anew, after the nonprofit hosts their fill-a-bag book sale. Residents can fill a tote with as many books as they can fit for $5.
To make sure every child has something to read for Christmas, the Friends of the Signal Hill Library is hosting a Christmas party with Santa Claus and crafts on Dec. 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and every child will go home with a book.
