Hello friends! When I posted my recent library sale haul on my Lemon8 page I had lots of people in the comments asking about how they work, if all libraries have them, and how to find one near them. I am so glad my posts can shine a light on how great they are and get people talking about them. I figured it would be a good idea to make a post answering all these questions. Now, let’s talk about what I love about library book sales, how I find out about them, and how you can too.
Why you should buy books from your library
Buying used books at the library is such an amazing way to get high-quality books for super cheap. My library always has a book sale going on in the back of the building and occasionally does half-off everything and fill a bag for $10 sales. For my last haul they lowered the fill a bag price and I got 3 hardcovers, 6 paperbacks, and 6 cookbooks all for the low price of $5!
The books are always in amazing condition because they are looked through or were taken out of circulation so they have been taken care of by librarians until then. I have found AMAZING things in these sales, such as books I’ve had on my wishlist, books from series I read from the library but don’t own, and new hidden gems I’ve never heard of before. These types of sales are especially amazing for book lovers who also love thrifting. I spend a lot of time going through the shelves and, just like thrifting feel proud when I find something good. Another benefit of buying from these sales is supporting your library! This money is how they do a lot of programs and purchase new books. I always leave happy with my finds and happy that my money is going to the library. This is a way to support the important work a library does even if you like to own all the books you read.
How to find a sale near you
If you’re wondering if your library does sales like this, a lot do. The money they get from sales they then use for all the amazing things they do and buying new books while also getting rid of books they no longer want in circulation and selling donations from the community. While your library might not do one 24/7 like mine, they might do one monthly, quarterly, or even once a year.
I find out about my library’s book sales in two ways: 1, being a frequent library user, and 2, their Facebook page. My library has an email newsletter I’m signed up for. They also print event calendars every month and usually have posters around for events like this. Sales like these are one reason I encourage everyone, even if you won’t check out books, to go to the library and get a library card.
If you aren’t a frequent user of the library here is how I suggest you can find out about these sales.
1. Call your library or go in person and ask if they do book sales
This one is probably the best way but requires some socialization. I know if I need to call somebody or ask someone a question about something, I just won’t do it. One thing I can say is I’ve never had anyone who has ever worked at a library be mean or judge me when I have asked questions; they have always been very happy to help.
Talk to someone who works there and ask if they do sales, how often, and if there’s a good way you can keep up to date on any new events they have. If you’re feeling anxious about doing this, have someone call for you, or I have some more options.
2. Check their Facebook page
Lots of people find Facebook outdated, but it is key for me to be up to date and know what fun events are going on around me. I have been to so many fun things and gone to so many places I wouldn’t have known about if I hadn’t used Facebook. Follow their page so you can see when they post about upcoming things.
Facebook has a feature called the events tab on a business’s page. If you’re on your phone looking at the libraries page look just under their bio. You should see some options like “All” “About’ “Photos” “Videos” and “More”. Click more and then the “Events” section. If your library uses this feature there should be a list of upcoming events!
3. Check their website
Google the libraries close to you and see if they have a website. Is there a newsletter you can sign up for to stay up to date on upcoming events? Is there a digital event calendar you can look at?
My final thoughts
Library sales are how I get books for a great price while supporting an organization I love. I truly encourage everyone to have a library card and go to their library. Even if it’s for sales, craft days, to study/work on something, or other programs they do. Libraries are more than a place to check out books.
If you want to see my book hauls, including those from library sales follow me on Lemon8
Here are some pictures of my favorite things I’ve found at library book sales taken from my lemon8 posts
Have you ever been to a library book sale? What’s your favorite thing you bought at one?
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