The Friends of the Launceston Library recently purchased a new ViewScan machine for the local studies area of the library, with funds from the annual book sale.

The ViewScan machine allows visitors to the library to view and scan microfilm to be saved as a digital file.

Other ViewScan machines allow you to view the microfilm but not save them electronically. In the past, people had to copy the information out by hand.

The ViewScan machine costs about $15,000 and was purchased through the funds from the Friends of the Library annual book sale.

Friends of the Launceston Library secretary Prue McCausland said the book sale had been running for more than 20 years and always attracted a large crowd.

IN OTHER NEWS:

The volunteer organisation prepares for the event for the whole year by collecting, sorting and pricing donated books. All the books are donated by the community.

Mrs McCausland said it was great to see the community support the event by donating their books.

However, she said reading and books had seen a resurgence in the past few years, despite the perceived threat from digital ebooks and e-readers.

This year's book sale will be held at St Albie's Hall on Saturday and there will be several thousand books of all genres to peruse.

Genres include crime, romance, literary fiction, fantasy and horror. There are also a collectibles section and a section on Tasmanian books.

Launceston librarian Catherine Pearce said the ViewScan machine would allow people to save the files they wanted from the library's archived documents, which include historical records and old newspapers.

She said the local studies area of the library was a popular area for budding historians or those who want to look up their own family tree or the history of their home.

"Crime is always a popular one that we get donated, probably because once the mystery you don't really need to re-read it again," Mrs McCausland said.

Friends of the Library book sale will be held at St Albie's Hall, Margaret Street, from 9am until 1pm.

While you're with us, did you know that you can now sign up to receive breaking news updates and daily headlines direct to your inbox. Sign up here.