Hilo library Friends spring sale begins Thursday

Books! Books! Books!

That’s what’s in store for one of Hilo’s spring social events.

The Friends of the Hilo Public Library book sale will be Thursday through Saturday. Browse your way through thousands of books priced at $1/hardcover and 50 cents/paperback. (Books in the Better Books Section could be priced somewhat higher.) And there’s always the special bargain-bag price Saturday — all the books you can fit into a recyclable bag for $5.

“Please bring your own bag, or you can purchase one from the library,” said event co-chair Jane Webb.

Dates and times are as follows:

• 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thursday.

• 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday.

• 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday.

And if you are a member of the Friends of the Library, you get a “sneak peek” 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

“Due to popular demand, we are opening the doors at 5 p.m., a half hour earlier than at previous book sales,” Webb said. “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 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 and much more.

“We always look forward to the spring sale” Webb said. “With interesting books on flowers, gardening and cooking, it indicates the beginning of a new season. Our volunteers are getting geared up to help customers with their selections, and in keeping with the season, we’ll have free Easter goodies on hand for the keikis. Hope to see you there.”

The first Friends of the Hilo Library sale brought in less than $100 in revenue, Webb said. Last April’s sale grossed more than $7,000, all of which was used to enhance library programs. The Friends group was formed in the mid-1960s.

“Over the years, we’ve provided funding for children’s summer reading programs; adult, reference and Hawaiiana materials; DVD resurfacing; computer software; Christmas decorations; and many other projects that are beyond the state’s limited budget,” Webb said. “And, for the ninth year, the Friends will be able to fund a scholarship for an upcoming university student enrolled in the library science information program.”

The spring sale is manned and organized by a crew of more than 50 volunteers, who put in time sorting, boxing and storing donated books, then turn out to unpack them and work as cashiers and greeters during the sale, Webb said.

He added there should be something at the sale for everyone.

“We’ve received donations from estates, the general public, the Helene Hale collection and many other sources which will be offered at the sale — and there are bound to be gems among them, even up to the last day of the sale,” Webb said.

“We are so delighted to offer a wide range of books, magazines and CDs/DVDs,” said Sally Kegler, co-chair of the book sale. “We also have lots of VHS tapes for those of us who still have tape players, and the prices are good. Please remember that with your purchase, you are contributing to the support of our local library. I am looking forward to seeing all of you.”

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. Visit www.hilopubliclibrary.org to print out a Friendship application to mail in.

Hilo Public Library is at 300 Waianuenue Ave.. A map is posted on the website. Parking is limited to the library on Thursday and Friday, but additional parking will be available Saturday at Big Island Substance Abuse Council across the street.