- Easton Area Public Library's Fall Book Sale runs through Nov. 13 at the library's main branch
- Books, DVDs, CDs, games, puzzles, and other oddities are priced as low as 50 cents
- Supported by the Friends of the Easton Public Library, all proceeds go toward library programming and events
EASTON, Pa. — Literature lovers, take note: one of the Easton Area Public Library’s biggest book sales is underway, and you can score a ton of tales on the cheap through Nov. 13.
The library’s Fall Book Sale kicked off with a special preview day on Wednesday, but there are plenty of titles to pore over throughout the next few days. The regular event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 10 at the main library, along with a Half Price Day during the same hours on Nov. 11, and wrapping up with the $5 Bag Day sale from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 13.
Easton Area Public Library Director Jennifer Long said the event is the largest fundraiser for the library, allowing them to host special programming and events throughout the year.
“This this event is for really anyone who is interested in books. The books are very carefully screened, they are in excellent condition. They can be purchased for your own home use or as gifts."Easton Area Public Library Director Jennifer Long
It’s also a great place to pick up some holiday gifts for those bookworms in your life.
“This event is for really anyone who is interested in books. The books are very carefully screened, they are in excellent condition. They can be purchased for your own home use or as gifts,” Long said.
“We have a tremendous collection of children's materials that is also very well organized into appropriate reading levels for children. We also have a really outstanding collection of DVDs and music CDs.”
Hardcover titles are usually priced around $2, with many paperbacks set at $1, and children’s books are often 50 cents, along with DVDs and CDs. There are also puzzles, games and local historical oddities at steep discounts. Just make sure to bring cash or a check, as the library cannot take debit or credit card payments.
While that’s already a steal, Long said the $5 Bag Day Sale is a huge draw, as you can pay a flat rate for “whatever you can stuff in that bag.”
You may want to get in as early as you can though, as Long points out crowds build up quickly, and tend to wrap around the building with people looking to peruse the stacks for hidden gems – including some strange collectibles.
“At last night's sale, there was a signed photo of Larry Bowa from the Philadelphia Phillies,” Long said. “My husband and I love the Philadelphia Phillies, so I did buy that for $2. That was an unusual find.”
But the incredible sale would all be for naught without the tireless help of the Friends of the Easton Public Library, who handle sorting, cleaning, and boxing before the sales begin – all for a love of the library.
“I have wonderful volunteers. And this couldn't be done if I did not have those volunteers. I have two, in particular, who come in every day, and they do an hour or two of work. And it's great to have people like that,” Friends of the Easton Public Library President Mary Ann Horvath said.
Horvath and the other Friends look upon the library as an invaluable repository for a wealth of knowledge and entertainment that the community can and should take advantage of.
“I taught English, so I have a real interest in books and literature. But it's mainly because we use the library all our lives, and the other thing is that we've been able to do some things with the money that we make through the book sale, and the money goes right to the library,” Horvath said.
Beyond the fall sale, the Friends sell titles online to build a fund for other library events and initiatives, including special reading performances for children, concerts, and even structural repairs to the buildings themselves.
Horvath hopes the event might also inspire people to check out the numerous services available through the library, including free access to physical and online magazines and newspapers, as well as access to a wealth of physical copies of movies.
“We are so happy to be able to do these things and provide more for the community,” Horvath said.
