The Hilo Public Library Fall Book Sale returns for the first time since 2019, running from Sept. 29-Oct. 1.
Available books include everything from A to Z in both fiction and nonfiction and, of course, children’s books.
Browse through hundreds of books priced at $1 for hardcovers and $0.50 for paperbacks, with a special Saturday bargain price — all the books you can fit into a recyclable bag for $5.
A Better Books section will be available where visitors can find mint-condition hardcover books with like-new dust jackets and first editions of very high quality at special prices.
Hours are 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29; 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30; and 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1.
Members of the Friends of the Library will get a “sneak peek” from 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28. Due to popular demand, the doors will open at 5 p.m., a half-hour earlier than previous sales. Those not currently a member can become a Friend for $10 at the door.
“The biggest book sale since 2019 is coming up this month – don’t miss it,” said Brad Clark, event chair. “Our longtime crew of loyal volunteers will be on hand to assist buyers with selections and work as greeters and cashiers.”
Clark added, “We’d like to offer teachers and those involved with non-profit organizations a chance to come in on Saturday afternoon after 2 p.m. and select some free volumes from the books that haven’t sold. Hope to see you there.”
The sale is sponsored by Friends of the Hilo Public Library and organized and staffed by nearly 50 volunteers. All money goes 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 more than $12,000 in scholarships to librarians-in-training at the University of Hawaii Manoa.
Volunteers also staff the “Bookstore in the Library” which is open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every Tuesday, and 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays of the month. They also stock a Bargain Bookshelf located by the self-checkout. Please contact the library at 933-8888, or visit www.hilopubliclibraryfriends.org to find out how to become a member of the Friends for only $10 per year.
Hilo Public Library is located at 300 Waianuenue Ave. in Hilo.
Additional parking will be available on Saturday at Big Island Substance Abuse Council across the street.