Those who dig through the CD selection at the Lawrence Public Library’s Massive Music Sale can expect a different vibe from the typical clearance bins. The finds are “serious,” according to Angela Hyde, program coordinator for the library’s Friends and Foundation.
“Many are rare, hard-to-find, niche or special recordings,” Hyde said in an email. “Between the three donations we have thousands of jazz, folk, classical, rock, alternative, Americana, world and funk CDs.”
The three donations Hyde was referring to were gifted by an anonymous donor and the estates of Brian David Kirby and Austin H. Turney. Both Kirby and Turney, of Lawrence, were graduates of the University of Kansas and died in July 2022, according to their obituaries.
“This is such a generous donation,” Hyde wrote of the more than 6,000 CDs and other pieces. “I want to honor the lives of both men by spreading their love of music through the community, while we raise funds for our library.”
Hyde called Kirby “a serious audiophile and jazz aficionado.” Kirby was an Engineer Technician of Product Development at MartinLogan and had worked there for 23 years, his obituary said. At Kirby’s request, his audio equipment and CDs were donated to Audio Reader and the library.
Hyde said Audio Reader would host a table at the event and offer for sale the equipment donated by the Kirby estate and perhaps some vinyl records too.
Turney, Hyde said, was a long-time volunteer of LPL’s Friends and Foundation. He also volunteered for Audio Reader and the Lawrence School Board, his obituary said. Turney’s son, Austin C. Turney, remains a “super volunteer” for Friends and Foundation, according to Hyde.
“This is a pretty special donation that has never happened before,” Hyde said.
Although she has amassed a wealth of experience “turning donated books into library funds” with some CDs on the side, Hyde said she has leaned on Kelly Corcoran, owner of Love Garden Sounds, for help with this project. Hyde said Friends and Foundation wanted “to be good stewards of this generous donation, so Kelly’s advice and support have been invaluable.”
“He has been so kind to share his time and incredible knowledge with us,” Hyde wrote.
The three-day sale is set for Friday, Jan. 20 through Sunday, Jan. 22 in the auditorium at Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St. Friday’s kickoff event runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will include beer, wine and music. Saturday hours are noon to 6 p.m. and Sunday hours are noon to 4 p.m.
Boxed sets of CDs will be individually priced. Each day will offer individual CDs for sale at a flat rate — Friday, $10; Saturday, $5; and Sunday, $2.
“All of the prices are going to be below retail, so shoppers will definitely get a deal,” Hyde wrote.
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Tricia Masenthin (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at tmasenthin (at) lawrencekstimes (dot) com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
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