Annual Library Book Sale: Dinosaur or Chameleon?

Borders Books is liquidating. Amazon recently announced it now sells more Kindle ebooks than hardcover and paperbacks combined. Could this spell the end of the annual, small town book sale as we know it?

"It’s something that we’re talking to people about," says Carol Stevens, co-chair of the Friends of the Canton Public Library Book Sale. "While we haven’t seen a rash of donations from people giving up their personal libraries, because they have purchased an e-reader, in years to come we may see an impact on the Book Sale because of the Nook and Kindle." Upon reflection Stevens added, "still, you can’t beat the prices of our books!"

While purchasing a current, hard cover, best seller for $2 is a deal even Borders couldn’t match, The Friends didn’t stop at great pricing to keep this year’s Book Sale relevant and interesting for today’s buyers.

They have enhanced the organization of the Sale, expanding beyond the All Purpose Room at the Community Center to an additional space on the main floor in Room E. There will also be a greater variety of quality children’s books, (including small riddle books and board books with sound), and an increased number of rarer, collectible books.

Visitors can expect nearly 10,000 books to browse through. And DVDs. The Friends received a donation of nearly 500 DVDs/CDs that will be up for sale from $2 to $3.

Bargain pricing still remains the hallmark of the Book Sale. Even on collectible books. Sue Crawford, who works in Circulation at the Library, determined the value of the rarer books on sale. “I do research on Amazon and other online book sellers. Then, I price the collectible books at the low end of the spectrum.”

100 percent of Book Sale proceeds, (about $10,000 in 2010), go to the Library to purchase new books/DVDs; Museum/Parks Passes; software/databases; and programming for children and adults. Unsold books/DVDs are donated to Hartford schools and area prisons.

"The Book Sale is a community event to benefit the Library," said Crawford. "The Friends want to ensure that the Library remains a community stronghold."

Laura Hage, past co-chair of the sale, agreed and added, “there will always be people who want a book, the printed word, in their hand.”

Here’s the Deal

Aug. 27 is the last day to donate books to the Sale. Drop off at the Community Center.

Canton Public Library Book Sale: Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011: $10 Early Entry 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Free admission 10 a.m.to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11: Free admission & $6 Bag Sale, 11 a.m.to 2 p.m. There will be a bake sale on the premises as well.

Friends of the Canton Public Library, 40 Dyer Ave; 693-5800: www.cantonpubliclibrary.org.