Shoppers at the Annual Library Book Sale at the Fairgrounds
Book lovers and families are in for a treat this weekend as more than 405,000 books in every category from nonfiction and fiction to romance and science fiction to self help and arts and crafts go on sale during Wake County Libaries’ 25th Annual Booksale and Festival of Reading.
The sale started today, May 9, and will run through May 12th at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds Jim Graham Building. By the end of the weekend, more than 18,000 people will have purchased a book from the sale, and more than 300 volunteers will have helped run the event.
A Festival of Reading will be held on Saturday with activities for the whole family including a chance for children to make mother’s day cards while parents shop for books.
In previous years, the annual book sale has earned more than $200,000 in revenue for the county’s general fund operating budget, said Ann Burlingame, Wake County deputy library director. On Thursday, hardbound books sell for $5, paperbacks for $1, and children’s materials for $1. On “Bargain Day” Sunday an entire bag of books costs $2 and a box of books costs $5. The sale runs Thursday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Michael Wasilick, Wake County library director, and Ann Burlingame, deputy
director, at book sale on May 9.