Finding a New Home

How one librarian turned her passion into a school-wide event.

Wilson Zheng, Izzy Santiago, Jack Donovan, Fina Kutcher, Alex Schwartz, Kirra Molek, and Lucia Page Sander

April 30, 2025

Alex Schwartz

Your next favorite story or board game might be waiting on a library shelf for sale — it might come at a special price, too.

For three years in a row, Jeri Schneider, CHS’s librarian, has hosted a beloved used book sale in the CHS library. Brimming with hundreds of books, board games, DVDs and unexpected treasures, the sale raises funds for improving the library as well as for the Parent Teacher Association (PTA).

“I love thrift shopping, I love used bookstores and I know people have stuff to donate,” Schneider said. “So I thought, why not put it on sale and make some money for the library?”

What started as a small experiment has steadily grown. Schneider initially launched the sale during Commstock and Art, Science and Letters night and the following weekend, a time when plenty of people visit the school. The increased foot traffic means more exposure, and even though Schneider sometimes misses parts of the afternoon events, to her, running the sale is worth it.

Over the years, donations have expanded beyond students and staff to include contributions from the broader community. Thanks to Schneider’s outreach, more people now know about the event and are eager to support it.

This year also featured a new addition: jewelry. Some of it came from Schneider’s own personal collection, which many which she doesn’t use anymore, and quickly became a popular category for those looking for something unique.

Before doors officially opened, Schneider launched pre-sales during school hours, giving staff and students early access to browse. The response was strong, and many enjoyed the opportunity of exploring and finding their favorite books and games before the main event.

“As people are coming in, they’re finding treasures,” Schneider said. “And it’s fun to see that kind of thing. When I go thrifting or use book sales or whatever, I love finding what I’m looking for.”

Another sale happened during the weekend, and the larger scale setup welcomed shoppers on the back lawn facing the farmers market. Schinder hoped that the increased visibility would bring in more customers as well as more support.

Behind the scenes, Schneider relies on volunteers to help make everything run smoothly. This year, she planned ahead and recruited helpers early, allowing the event to run with more ease and efficiency.

“I tried to kind of do it last year and I started talking to some people, but I just didn’t plan it well enough in advance to get volunteers,” Schneider said. “So this year, I put out a notice in advance, got a few volunteers, and decided to do it rain or shine and just see what happens.”

More than just for money, the sale also reflects Schneider’s personal passion for books and thrifting.

“I love thrift shopping,” Schneider said. “When I go thrifting or go to used book sales, I love finding a book I’ve wanted to read, and it’s only for a dollar or two.”

Whether it’s an old DVD or a quirky board game, Schneider is thrilled to help these stories find a new home. She also has seen many moments from the week which capture what makes the event so special.

“This teacher came in and saw a game and said, ‘Oh, I love that game.’ He walked out the hallway, then turned around and asked if we only took cash,” Schneider said. “I said ‘No, I take Venmo and checks as well,’ and he said, ‘Well, I’m gonna buy this now.’ That’s the kind of thing I love to see.”

Leftover items won’t be put to waste either: many are donated to local schools or Friends of the Ann Arbor District Library, continuing the cycle of sharing stories and resources around the community. Old favorites, new discoveries and fresh ideas continue to shape the event year after year.

About the Contributors

Wilson Zheng, Opinion Editor

Wilson is a junior at Community High School, and this will be his second year on staff! He loves learning languages and is improving in Mandarin and Japanese (and hopes to one day be fluent). Otherwise, he loves film photography, working out and playing video games like Deadlock and Stardew Valley with his friends, and is looking forward to help improve across publications this year!

Izzy Santiago, Journalist

Izzy Santiago is a freshman at CHS. This is her second year in yearbook, having edited the Saline Middle School yearbook for 2023-2024. She’s been riding horses for about four years and competes monthly. When she’s not riding, you can usually find her listening to her favorite artists or taking long walks.

Jack Donovan, Journalist

This is Jack Donovan’s first year at CHS and his first year going to school at Ann Arbor. He has a younger brother going to Saint Francis and an older sister going to FGR, and he lives at home with his dad, stepmom, his brother, and his sister. He runs Track in the spring, and you can find him skiing all winter long at Mt. Brighton. He uses writing as a way to express himself and is very excited for the upcoming school year.

Fina Kutcher, A&E Editor

Serafina Kutcher is a senior at CHS, and she is in her 5th semester on staff. When she isn’t busy with schoolwork, she can usually be found listening to music, hanging out with friends, or baking. She also loves dancing, and spends time almost every day at the studio practicing and rehearsing. She is stoked to be spending another incredible semester on the Communicator staff!

Alex Schwartz, Journalist

Hi I’m Alex I’m on yearbook and I like playing video games, listening to music and doing photography.

Kirra Molek, Journalist

Kirra is a sophmore at Community, and this is her first year on staff. She enjoys long walks, spending time with friends and passionately talking about the latest song she’s decovered. While pursuing academics is very important to her, she makes time to enjoy traveling with her family and exploring as many places she can.

Lucia Page Sander, Print Editor-in-Chief

This is Lucia’s seventh semester on staff, fourth as an Editor-in-Chief, and second as a Print Editor-in-Chief. When she’s not playing soccer for the Michigan Jaguars, competing for Lily Weightlifting or enjoying her many responsibilities at CHS, you can find her in the Huron River, on the phone with last year’s EICs or jumping on her mini trampoline. Lucia loves surfing, watermelon, all things agriculture and is in the process of learning how to enjoy long-distance running and predict the weather using clouds. She is anticipating a spectacular final year at Community and The Communicator’s helm.