MIFFLINTOWN — March has arrived, and while basketball fans will soon be busy filling out brackets, the Juniata County Library is gearing up for its own kind of March Madness — one powered by paperbacks instead of jump shots.

The Friends of the Juniata County Library is preparing for their annual Spring Book Sale later this month, running March 23-26, and they’re calling it “March Book Madness” for good reason.

Instead of buzzer-beaters and fast breaks, this event features overflowing shelves, packed tables and volunteers trying to keep up with a donation surge that would make any coach call a timeout.

For readers who burned through their winter book stacks during the long cold spell, this sale is the perfect chance to rebuild the roster.’

Juniata County: A full bench — and then some

Friends’ Book Sale Chair Nancy Ramgatie and volunteer Deb Chambers have been running their own version of pre-game drills, but their challenge isn’t preparing for competition — it’s finding space for an avalanche of donated books.

In photos shared by the Friends, both women look like coaches staring down a bench of players all demanding playing time.

And who can blame them? The Friends have so many books they’re practically spilling onto the court.

The Christian fiction section is stacked deeper than a tournament bracket. The “Love Inspired” and “Romantic Suspense” shelves are packed tight. Paperback novels are out of room. David Baldacci books, Harlan Coben books, jigsaw puzzles and romance paperbacks are overflowing.

The young adult section is full. The children’s section is full. The craft section is brimming with books, manuals and patterns for anyone looking to start a new project.

Even the jigsaw puzzles — always a fan favorite — are piling up like rebounds under the basket.

Fans needed: Fill a bag, support the library

With donations continuing to pour in, the Friends are calling on the community to step in and help “clear the court.” During the sale, shoppers can fill a bag with books, CDs, DVDs and magazines for $7 per bag. Jigsaw puzzles are $3 each and a selection of themed gift baskets for all ages will be available at individual prices.

The sale runs during regular library hours with one exception. Monday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to noon, is a Friends-only preview sale. Anyone not already a Friend of the Library can purchase a membership at the door and get early access to the best picks — the equivalent of courtside seats.

A winning season for the library

Last year, the Friends donated more than $10,000 to the library thanks to community support. Those funds help the library expand programs, update materials and continue serving as a vital resource for Juniata County residents.

This year, the Friends hope their March Book Madness event will be just as successful — and judging by the mountain of donations, they’re already off to a strong start.

Whether you’re hunting for a new favorite author, stocking up for spring break reading or simply looking for a fun community event, the Friends’ Spring Book Sale promises plenty of great finds and a chance to support the library in a big way.

And in this tournament, everyone who walks out with a bag of books is a champion.

For more information, visit www.juniatalibrary.org or find them on Facebook.