Do you love discovering unique finds and being surprised by hidden gems? If you haven’t been to a Friends of the Library book sale yet, you are missing out!
The next public sales are Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday, April 26 from 12-3 p.m. Sales are held in the Library’s Jones Meeting Center and Polly Peterson Room.
The sale features thousands of gently-used items donated by people in our community. There is something to fit everyone’s interests—from cooking, to sports, to gardening, to music—and literary tastes—from biographies and romance, to fantasy and fiction.
All the proceeds from the Friends’ biannual sales go directly back into funding Library events, collections, and projects. Friends of the Library President Julia Swanson explained that these sales are the group’s main fundraiser.
She said, “We have a very supportive community who come to our sales and go home not only with interesting books to read, but also with a smile knowing they have helped support their wonderful library.”
The money raised directly funds popular Library initiatives, such as the Scholastic Book Fair book bucks kids earn during Summer Reading. “We also provide for the streaming service hoopla digital and the Library’s collection of Vox Books,” Swanson explained. “And in addition to events we support, the Friends fund projects like the restoration of equipment in the Jones Meeting Center.”
She said, “All of this is possible from holding these book sales twice a year.”
And the Friends of the Library sales aren’t just good for the Library; they’re a benefit to the community as well. Swanson said that they create a great opportunity for people to donate books they no longer need.
She explained that the Friends collect, sort, and store all the donated books. Then the books get new homes after being purchased at affordable prices. “It is one of those wonderful situations where everyone benefits,” Swanson said.
The Friends’ sale prices are unbeatable. Paperbacks cost $1 and hardbacks cost $3; children’s picture books are 2 for $1 and children’s chapter books are $1 each. CDs are 4 for $1 and DVDs are $1 each. People can also purchase a library tote bag full of books for $25.
At the Sunday sale, you can fill any size bag for only $5. Bags are provided at the sale for those who need them, but you’re encouraged to bring your own so you can get more for your money!
The sales on Saturday and Sunday are open to the public, but Friends of the Library members are invited to a special preview sale on Friday, April 24 from 5-7 p.m.
The Friends of the Johnson City Public Library is a group of supporters dedicated to the welfare and promotion of the Library. You can sign up to become a Friends member online or in person at any of the weekend’s book sales.
Follow Friends of the Johnson City Public Library on Facebook for book sale updates and other Friends news. You’ll also get updates about Friends book sales on Johnson City Public Library’s Facebook and Instagram.
More News
