Mark your calendars for the biggest used book sale of the fall. ADVERTISING Mark your calendars for the biggest used book sale of the fall. The Hilo Public Library fall book sale is slated for today through Saturday. Browse your
Mark your calendars for the biggest used book sale of the fall.
The Hilo Public Library fall book sale is slated for today through Saturday.
Browse your way through hundreds of books priced at $1 for hardcover editions and 50 cents for paperbacks. Books in the “Better Books Section” could be priced somewhat higher. And there will be a special bargain price Saturday, with all the books you can fit into a plastic grocery bag, or your own recyclable bag, for just $5.
The sale will run 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday. If you are a member of the Friends of the Library, you get a “sneak peek”from 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Due to popular demand, the doors will open at 5 p.m., a half and hour earlier than previous book sales.
If you’re not currently a Friend, don’t worry. You can become an “instant Friend”for a donation of $10 at the door.
What sorts of books can you expect to find? Everything from A to Z in fiction and nonfiction and, of course, children’s books. Major categories in fiction are mystery, science fiction, romance and western. Nonfiction categories include animals, nature, architecture, art, biography, business, computer, cooking, reference, education, textbooks, foreign language, gardening, Hawaiiana, health, history, government, military, hobbies, humor, literature, drama, poetry, music, film theater, religion and philosophy, science, sociology, psychology, self-help, sports, technology, home improvement and travel.
The “Better Books” section is where you can find mint-condition hardcover books with like-new dust jackets and first editions of very high quality at special prices.
“The biggest book sale of the year is coming up this month. Don’t miss it,” said Jane Webb, chairman of the event. “Our longtime crew of loyal volunteers will be on hand to assist buyers with selections and work as greeters and cashiers. And, with Halloween coming up, there will be small treats for the keikis as well.”
Webb said the Hilo community has been generous with quality donations this past year and many volumes, in mint condition, will be available, especially in the “Better Books” section.
Net proceeds from the book sale go directly to help support the Hilo Public Library and, since 2005, to sponsor scholarships for students majoring in library science.
Webb said the library also is offereing teachers and those involved with nonprofit organizations a chance to come in after 2 p.m. Saturday and select some free volumes from the books that haven’t sold.
“Hope to see you there,” she said.
The sale is sponsored by Friends of the Hilo Public Library and organized and staffed by nearly 50 volunteers.
Where does the money raised by the sale go?
It is all pumped back into serving library needs, such as purchasing adult, reference and Hawaiiana materials, books and incentives for children and adults, reading contests, computer software, DVDs and many other programs not covered by the limited state budget. In past years, Friends have helped pay for the new white floor tile in the lobby, a new magazine display rack and brochures about the native plants in the atrium in addition to other needs of the library. Since 2005, the Friends also have awarded more than $11,000 in scholarships to librarians-in-training at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
In addition to organizing books sales, Friends sort and pack book donations year round. Volunteers also stock a bargain bookshelf that offers a small number of books for sale in between sales.
Contact the library at 933-8888 to find out how to become a member of the Friends for only $10 per year. You also can visit www.hilopubliclibraryfriends.org to print out a Friendship application to mail in.
Parking is limited to the library today and Friday, but additional parking will be available Saturday at Big Island Substance Abuse Council (BISAC) across the street.
