Book lovers: It’s time for the biggest used book sale of the fall on the Big Island, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 18-20, at the Hilo Public Library.
Book lovers: It’s time for the biggest used book sale of the fall on the Big Island, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 18-20, at the Hilo Public Library.
Browse your way through literally hundreds of books priced at $1 perhardcover and 50 cents per paperback. (Books in the Better Books Section may be priced somewhat higher.) Special bargain price on Saturday — all the books you can fit into a plastic grocery bag for $4 or bring your own recyclable bag if you prefer.
Sale hours are Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
And if you are a member of the Friends of the Library you get a “sneak peek” Wednesday evening from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
“Due to popular demand, we are opening the doors at 5 p.m., a half-hour earlier than at 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,” said Sally Kegler, coordinator of the book sale.
What sorts of books can you expect to find? Everything from A to Z in both fiction and non-fiction and, of course, children’s books. Major categories in fictions 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.
There is also a Better Books Section where you can find mint-condition hardcover books with like-new dust-jackets and first editions of very high quality at special prices.
“We estimate that over 12,000 items are on hand to be offered to eager buyers at our fall sale” said Jane Webb, former HPL Friends president. “Due to limited space and the volume of donations, new items will be brought out every day of the sale, so come early and often.”
“Many mahalos for the contributions made to Hilo Public Library Friends by the community,” said Kegler. “We asked and you gave — the assortment of books/CDs/DVDs is overwhelming: The Friends are so looking forward to sharing these donations with one and all during our fall sale. And don’t forget…it’s not too early to shop for holiday gift-giving!”
The sale is sponsored by Friends of the Hilo Public Library and organized and staffed by nearly 50 volunteers. Net proceeds from this sale directly support Hilo Public Library.
Where does the money go that is raised by the sale?
It is all pumped directly back into serving library needs such as purchasing adult , reference and Hawaiiana materials, books and incentives for children’s 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 “behind-the-scenes” needs of the library. Since 2005 the Friends have also awarded 11 $1,000 scholarships to librarians-in-training at UH-Manoa.
The Friends of the Hilo Library were established in 1983 and have raised over $100,000 for the library to date. Currently over 300 community members contribute annually to the Friends and nearly 50 of these contributors actively volunteer their time to assist the group with fundraising efforts that include the used book sales.
In addition to organizing the books sales, Friends sort and pack book donations year round. Volunteers also stock a Bargain Bookshelf which offers a small number of books for sale in between sales. Please contact the library at 933-8888 to find out how to become a member of the Friends for only $10 per year. You can also visit our website www.hilopubliclibraryfriends.org to print out a Friendship application to mail in.
Hilo Public Library is at 300 Waianuenue Ave. in Hilo. For a map of where the library is located go to the website www.hilopubliclibraryfriends.org
Parking is limited to the library on Thursday and Friday, but additional parking will be available on Saturday at Big Island Substance Abuse Council (BISAC) across the street.