Kings Park Library Book Sale Co-Chairs Named Citizens Of The Month

BURKE, VA — Two members of the Friends of Kings Park Library — Judy Nitsche and John Weidner — were named Braddock District Citizens of the Month after another successful fall book sale.

Nitsche has served as chair of the Friends of Kings Park Library’s book sale for the past 14 years, while Weidner joined as co-chair of the book sale a few years later. Following the November book sale, though, both Nitsche and Weidner are stepping down as co-chairs.

Under their leadership, gross sales from each of the twice-a year book sales consistently exceeded $10,000. Funds from the book sales help pay for the Kings Park Library’s summer reading program, preschool/youth/teen and adult programs, furniture and computers, 3D printer, magazine subscriptions, book collection, and other important services provided by the library.

As book sale time approached, Nitsche would find volunteers and create a schedule to make sure all hours were covered. She also found local students who would volunteer at the book sales to meet their community service goals.

The Kings Park Library book sale is held in both the spring and fall. "Thanks to Judy, John, and the many volunteers, the Kings Park Library is widely recognized as having one of the best — and best organized — book sales in the area," the Braddock Beacon, Supervisor James Walkinshaw’s monthly newsletter, reported in its December issue.

The Kings Park Library Friends group, an independent organization, has supported the library since 1976. It works in partnership with library staff to improve resources and services at the library.

As treasurer of the Friends of Kings Park Library, Nitsche focused on the administrative and financial functions of the book sale, while Weidner was in charge of the operational side.

“We thank Judy and John for their dedication to the community and hard work to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Kings Park Library,” Walkinshaw’s office said.

The two volunteers will continue to serve as members of the Friends of Kings Park Library as they step away from the hard work of running the book sales.

“I am not quitting the book sale, just quitting being in charge,” she told Walkinshaw’s office.

Weidner recalled helping customers find books and working with his fellow Friends of Kings Park Library volunteers. “The people are what make it worthwhile — those who work and those who come to the sale,” he said.

Residents are invited to suggest a candidate for Braddock District Citizen of the Month by sending an email to braddock@fairfaxCounty.gov.

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