The sun finally came out today, after two full days of cold rainy weather; with temps expected to reach 90 this afternoon, crowds came out early to beat the heat at the Friends of the Library Book Sale. There were over 20,000 books, with a silent auction of collectible books beginning at 8:30, followed by a live auction at 9:30, then the ropes went down and the sale was open to the public. What a group of enthusiastic readers! Since our library is in town, the occasional lucky tourist found their way to the library lawn — history and books, what a great combination!
I tried to restrain myself, and kept to the “local interest” tables, while my 12-year-old perused the “young adult” section. These are the titles I walked away with:
- Guide to Cambridge Architecture: Ten Walking Tours by Robert Bell Rettig
- AMC Guide to Country Walks Near Boston by Alan Fisher
- Concord Guidebook: Tourist Information for Concord, Massachusetts by Bill Montague
- God in Concord: A Homer Kelly Mystery by Jane Langton
The first three are out-of-print; used copies are available on-line. The fourth is a work of fiction; it seems like a quick read, and I think I’ll enjoy the peppering of local sites and attractions as background for the mystery.
If you are anywhere near upper Fairfield County Connecticut during the second week of July, check out the HUGE book sale put on the Friends of the C. H. Booth Library in Newtown. This is a 5-day event, with an extensive selection books in every category. The event is incredibly-well organized; book sorters continuously re-shelve books that have been taken out of place, and the scores of volunteers are helpful and easy-to-find in their fashionable “book sale” t-shirts. Other conveniences include ample parking, food vendors, restrooms, and acceptance of credit cards and personal checks. As the sale wears on, book prices drop to half the sale price on Monday, $5 for a bag of books on Tuesday, and FREE on Wednesday! I think we picked up every Berenstain Bear and Magic School Bus book there one year; a great (and inexpensive) way to add to the kids’ book collections.
Do you like used book sales, or are you a “new or nothing” purist for your bookshelf? I’m fond of them, especially for the children’s early readers and book series that my kids enjoy. I also like to look at the small cookbooks that some churches and other orginations publish as fundraisers; I’m known to leaf through them, searching for my Grammy’s lost recipe for hermits!
I adore book sales! There is a terrific one here every run, put on by the Antiquarian Booksellers Association. Lots of very, very old books, some newer books, lots of authographed copies, magazines, etc.
I don’t mind used books, but library book sales really feed my one bit of book snobbery – hard covers. I love a nice, solid hard cover with a nice book jacket. I don’t mind trade paperbacks, but I won’t even buy mass market paperbacks – the cheap paper and flimsy feel spoil the whole book for me.
Oh, I understand the hardcover book snobbery (it’s a mild vice!). I tease my friend CT (you know who you are!) because she wants only hardcovers for the trophy bookcase. I got beautiful mint hardcovers of ‘Tis and Angela’s Ashes at the C. H. Booth Book Sale I mentioned in my post … $1 each!
My neighborhood book group has the guideline that a chosen book must be available in paperback… those go on the shelves below eye level.
When I’m travelling I tend to pack paperbacks; sometimes leaving them behind for others to enjoy.
I keep missing the sales around here
I didn’t realize you were from MA too! I live on the south shore and work in Cambridge.
Oh, I hope your commute isn’t too bad!
We’re back in the Bay State after several years away … “love that dirty water!!”
I love used book sales, but often the crowds are too much for me to put up with. Most of my books, though, are purchased from remainders, used sections, or sale sections of book stores. I’d say about half my library has those black marker lines across the pages, denoting remainders.
I am not ashamed of the remainder “back slash”! I’ve found some treasures on those beat up tables.
I am in Monteal and actually went to this 5 days sale once – wow! i was blown away. There is always a problem though – people who own used bookstores OR who buy to resell seem to always get there first AND get the best bargains.
We have this problem here – with our VERY limited book sales. Its not fun going, because by the time you get to the table, there is absolutely nothing left
However, they are still fun – the enthusiasm and manic energy is kind of nuts!
Wow, Tina! All the way from Montreal to Newtown, CT – that’s a dedicated book shopper! I was spoiled by living so close to the sale for many years.
Yes, there are resellers who pay the entry fee to get in early, but even they can’t snap up ALL the books.
[...] space to another book! The Concord Guidebook is a fairly new acquisition (see my post about our library book sale); I have a love of local history, and that’s a [...]
I’ve been to that wonderful sale in CT and was just thinking now that I have moved to Boston I don’t have the energy to attend this year. A pity!
There is a great website for used book sales: http://www.booksalefinder.com/
Constance – the C.H. Booth book sale in Newtown CT is next week! It’s probably best that I’ve been too busy lately to consider a road trip!
Thanks for the link to booksalefinder; I’ve already investigated the next few months.