It's time for another Palatine Library Friends of the Library Book Sale, so I thought this was worth a repost!
In our house we absolutely love the Friends of the Library Book Sales offered by this volunteer organization to support Palatine Public Library as well as literacy in our community. Here are our top ten reasons why we keep going back!
#10 - Cookbooks. There are so many cookbooks at this sale! We have found kids' cookbooks for my 10 year old, vegetarian cookbooks for my 20 year old, cooking for one for my mom, cookbooks for specific cultures, cookbooks for weight loss, and so many others. While you can find recipes online pretty easily these days, I love perusing a good cookbook with lots of great photos and tips!
#9 - Test Prep Books. As your kids get older they will enter the world of the ACT, SAT, and AP tests. You can often find prep books for these tests at the sale - for a fraction of the retail price! Don't get them too far in advance, you want the content to be relatively current, but keep your eye out for them as your kids get older.
#8 - Summer & Winter Reading Program Support. The Friends of the Library provide the summer reading t-shirt or bag giveaway annually and also support winter reading. Your support of the book sales helps thousands of readers win prizes in Palatine each year.
#7 - Environmental Stewardship. There is something so satisfying about reading a book that someone else has shared and donated to this worthy cause. And sharing a print book saves part of a tree. So win-win!
#6 - Entertainment. There are so many options at this sale! Check out the small room off the main book sale space for a great selection of music and videos.
#5 - All the Fiction Feels. The book sale is highly organized, thanks to hours of time spent by volunteers to separate books into their specific categories. From fiction to mystery to romance, you are sure to find something to peak your fiction interest. And of course there is a huge selection of non-fiction options as well - from biographies to history.
#4 - The Classics. There is always a small but wonderful collection of literary classics. It warms my heart that my older kids gravitate toward this section to read or re-read some of the greatest literary works out there.
#3 - Art & Photography Books. I have to admit, in our house art is a pretty big deal. Most of us work or have worked or have just dabbled in the arts in some way, shape, or form. The book sale often has wonderful books of artist collections, photography, sheet music, graphic novels, and many more items that spark creativity beyond the written word. Be sure to check out these smaller, but inspirational, sections of the sale.
#2 - The Children's Room. At just 25 cents per book, this is truly one of the best deals around. The room has picture books, chapter books, wonderful science and informational books, and also often has a collection of puzzles and other fun items.
#1 - Half Price Sunday. The prices for the entire weekend are fantastic and support an amazing cause. But Sunday? That is half price day. Historically kids books have been 2 for a quarter. You absolutely cannot beat that! My daughter is allowed to select pretty much anything she wants for that price!
The group usually offers four book sales annually, and the next Friends of the Library Book Sale is scheduled for February 14-16 at the Main Branch of Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court Palatine.
Hours
- Friday, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
- Friends' members - No Charge
- Non-members - $5
- Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Free Admission
- Sunday, 12:30 – 3:00 p.m.
- Free admission
- Bargain day. All items are half price!
Guidelines for Sale Days
- Strollers cannot be accommodated in the sale rooms.
- Books set aside must be purchased. No setting books aside for later consideration.
- Electronic devices are not allowed.
According to the Palatine Public Library website, "The Friends have been a library affiliate for more than 60 years. They provide furnishings, materials, and equipment through fundraising events like used book sales. The Friends sponsor the Summer Reading and Winter Reading programs. Their contributions have totaled nearly a quarter of a million dollars to the Library District in the last decade." WOW!
I highly recommend you head on over this weekend to take advantage of this amazing opportunity!
If you are interested in donating items to the book sale, gently used books, CDs, DVDs, and related materials can be dropped off at the main library branch during normal operating hours. If you have a larger donation, curbside pickup is available on the last Saturday of each month from 9:15am to 12:00pm.
MK Pro Tips: Strollers are not allowed in the sale rooms. Bring sturdy bags or boxes to haul away your literary loot! They will provide them, but I like to reuse my own big bags!
