All the holiday cheer at friendly prices

HOW I READ IT

Pretend it’s Dec. 20, 2002, not Dec. 13, and no matter how hard

you’ve tried, you’re still searching for gifts.

Let’s say you purchase two Beatrix Potter children’s tales, retail

$4.95 each, and “Desert Dog” at $15.95 for your grandson; “The Art of

Raising a Puppy” for your daughter costs $24.95; “Sunset’s Western

Garden Book” at $35 for your son; and “Russian Cooking” from

Time-Life at $20 for your daughter-in-law (a book she would never

buy, guaranteed!). Total, with a 10% discount, under $100 plus tax.

Not bad considering you added joy to the lives of four very important

persons.

But, hold on a minute -- you’re not shopping at Amazon.com or

Barnes & Noble -- you’re in the Friends of the Library Book Shop and

you’ve really only spent $15.50 for all the good cheer!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Now, for yourself, select from your favorite author’s work, and

buy quality hardcover books, originally retailing from $20 to $30,

for 75 cents to $3. Believe it or not, while you feel like you’re

robbing the Friends by paying these unbelievably low prices, you’re

actually helping your library survive these lean times. And, when you

visit the Friends Book Shop, why not bring along a book or books in

good condition to contribute to your library.

Check it out, it’s good for the soul -- and the pocketbook!

FRIENDS BOOK SHOP HOURS

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

* DOUG BOWLER is a native Californian who, along with his wife,

has been experiencing the good life of Laguna Beach for the past

18-plus years.