Friends of the Library hosts the largest used book sale in Abilene

ABILENE, Texas — The Friends of the Library is hosting the largest used book flea market in Abilene this weekend.

The 35th annual Friends of the Library book sale begins Thursday and runs through Sunday at the Abilene Convention Center.

Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Abilene Public Library.

Friends of the Library is a volunteer group dedicated to supporting the Abilene Public Library through fundraising, funding library materials and equipment, and providing volunteer labor.

Caleb Robinson of the Friends of the Abilene Public Library said they prepare for the sale all year.

“We receive donations at our library locations throughout the year,” Robinson said. “We sort them by category, so when we sell you can look for a specific type of book, from children’s to adult.”

Books, audio books, records and DVDs are among the items for sale.

Most items cost $2 or less.

The books are arranged by genre throughout the room; there are more than 50 different genres.

Proceeds from the book sale will benefit the Abilene Public Library.

“I think many people don’t realize that our library is city property, but many of the educational programs that take place at each branch are funded by donations from the community. The Friends of the Library supports that,” Robinson said.

Sales begin Thursday with a presale from 5-8 p.m. for current Friends of the Library members. Memberships will be sold at the door for just $20.

Time schedule

• Thursday: Advance booking for members of the Friends of the Library from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (memberships can be purchased at the box office)
• Friday: Open to the public from 10am to 7pm
• Saturday: Open to the public from 10am to 7pm
• Sunday: Open to the public from 1pm-4pm with Bag-O-Books sale. Fill a bag with books for only $6.

This year, the organization is going eco-friendly and asking everyone to bring their own shopping bags. Tote bags will be available at the event for $1.

“We’re trying to go green,” Robinson said. “You can bring your own bag, whatever kind you want, but we also sell recycled bags and don’t provide plastic bags.”

The organization is accepting donations for next year’s book sale on July 8 at the main library at 202 Cedar St.