Westerly Sun Column | Annual Book Sale Begins This Week

All throughout the year, folks from Westerly and beyond drop off generous donations of books to the library. And, throughout the year, members of the Friends of Westerly Library and Wilcox Park work like little elves behind the scenes, diligently going through the thousands of donations in preparation for their annual Book Sale. The massive sale is always hotly anticipated, and I’m excited to say that the wait is almost over: the book sale will open to the public tomorrow, October 21!

As mentioned, the volunteers with the Friends work hard all year long to weed through the many donations we receive, setting popular and “like new” copies of books for the sale. In addition to a massive collection of popular fiction, you will also find great nonfiction ranging from cooking and gardening books, to biographies and memoirs. Books related to local history are always a big draw, as are rare and antique books, and signed editions. It’s not all for adults, either! Parents, grandparents, and anyone with a little one in their life will love the tables overflowing with children’s books for infants to elementary aged kids. While the bulk of the sale is dedicated to books, you will also find plenty of DVDs, CDs, and even puzzles and games.

I know that Halloween has not even passed yet, but this is a gentle reminder that the holiday season is rapidly approaching. If you have a bookwork in the family, this is a great time to pick up a thoughtful gift or stocking stuffer. Alternately, you can buy yourself a little literary treat! All items, including like-new hardcovers that typically retail for $25+, are available at a fraction of the cost. Not only will you be saving money, you’re supporting a great cause. The proceeds from the book sale go directly to the library, helping to fund special programs, equipment, and technology (like our Glowforge!), which are then made freely available to the public.

If you’re like me, this topic might be reminding you of the boxes of books in your closet, or overflowing bookshelves that you’ve been meaning to pare down. Donations of books in good condition are welcome any day the library is open, simply bring them to the Circulation Desk! All genres are welcome, but we cannot accept VHS tapes, textbooks, or items that are musty or well-worn. It can be emotionally (and physically) difficult to part with old books, but there is a silver lining: you’ll have room on your shelves for new ones!

This year, the book sale will take place in the Old Main Reading Room, which is on your left side when you enter the front of the library. The hours on Wednesday and Thursday are 9am-6pm, Friday is 9am-5:30pm, and it wraps up on Saturday from 9am-3:30pm. If you come on Saturday, don’t forget to bring a bag, which you can fill for just $10!

By Cassie Skobrak, Adult Services Librarian