Thanks to a generous donation from an area music collector, musician, university professor, and music connoisseur, the Friends of the Essex Library is knee deep in a tremendous CD collection of rare and sought-after musical compilations.

This extraordinary gift to the Friends was made to help the group raise money for the library to be used for a wide variety of resources and materials.

The collection, which includes thousands of CDs, is a varied one comprised of notable opera performances, orchestral works, jazz, French chanteurs, and Broadway. There are some exceptional, early recordings of renowned artists and performances that have been re-mastered, and are extremely valuable.

“We’re very appreciative of this gift and view it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for music lovers and a unique way to earn money for the library,” said Linda Levene of the Friends of the Essex Library.

Over the past few weeks, Friends members have been categorizing, researching, and pricing each CD in the collection in preparation for the sale reception, which will take place on Saturday, Feb. 27 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the library. Light refreshments will be served, and the entire collection of CDs will be on display. Music lovers of all ages are invited to take advantage of the sale.

“This collection is truly amazing,” said Levene. “We are not sure how long this gentleman has been collecting for, but at least several decades.”

The CDs that are not sold during the reception will remain on sale at the Essex Library through the month of March, (daily from 2 to 4 p.m. with some special assistance from the Friends to help out with the sale). After that, according to Levine, the valuable CDs that have not sold will be put on eBay and good homes will be found for the others.

“The Friends are committed to raise a certain amount of money each year to be donated to the library and the donation of this amazing collection of CDs, and this sale will help us greatly to achieve our goal this year,” said Levene.

“Where would we be without the Friends of the Essex Library?” Library Director Richard Conroy asked. “This dedicated group of volunteers puts in countless hours supporting the library in many different ways. Each year they present us with a significant financial contribution that makes some of the extras possible, such as computer databases, museum passes, and special materials that we would not otherwise be able to offer our patrons. We are very grateful for their help.”

The CD reception is free and open to all. For more information, visit www.youressexlibrary.com.