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Friends' Annual Book Sale
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Donations of gently-used books are accepted through July 15.
Donations may be brought to the Library again in September.
Bring donations to the Returns window at the Main Library.

 

The Friends of the Duluth Public Library annual used book sale is held in August. The first day of the sale is for Friends members only; anyone may join the Friends on that day by paying the membership dues ($10 annually for an individual) at the table in the Michigan Street Lobby. Dates for the 2010 sale are August 17-20, with August 17 being reserved for Friends members only.

Build your own home library and contribute to a good cause at the same time. The 2009 sale raised more than $30,000! These funds are given back to the Library to purchase special materials and to support specific programs.

The Book Sale is the Friends' major fundraising activity. All proceeds from the sale are returned to the Library and are used to purchase new materials and to support programs and special activities.

Click for: Donations needed (and not needed!) | Book Sale FAQ
Room Guide | Sale Hours

2010 Book Sale Hours:

 Tues. - Friends Members Only! * Aug. 17 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
 Wed. Aug. 18 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
 Thurs. Aug. 19 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
 Fri. - Bag Sale Aug. 20 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

 The Friends recommend that shoppers arrive well before the doors open at 10:00 a.m.

* Friends' membership may be purchased at the door. Click for a Friends' membership form

Book Sale Room Guide

 Green Room  Gold Room  Conference Room  Garage

Novels for adults
Nonfiction for adults
    in many categories
Hardcover classics
Large print books
Videos
Books on tape

Both hardcovers and paperbacks

"Better Books" for children & adults
Rare or out-of-print books
First editions
Autographed copies
Gift books
Collectible books
Artwork
Magazines
Videos & DVDs
CDs & Cassettes
Records
Children's books
Toys
Games
Cassettes
Videos

Green Room

 Gold Room

Platinum Room

Books in garage

Visit the Silent Auction in the second floor North Shore Room
on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (beginning at noon)

      

Reminder
Donations Needed: Please Do NOT Bring:
Books - hardcovers and paperbacks
CDs
Monthly magazines from the previous 12 months
Monthly magazines from before 1950
Toys
Artwork
Videos (pre-recorded only)
Reader's Digest Condensed Books
Encyclopedias from before 2000
Textbooks
Catalogs
Monthly Magazines 1950-2006
Weekly Magazines
Records

For information on specific donations, please call 730-4236 or e-mail dplfriendsof@yahoo.com or webmail@duluth.lib.mn.us

BOOK SALE FAQ

Where do the books come from?

While some books are withdrawn from the Library's own collections, the overwhelming majority are donated throughout the year by library users. Occasionally a book-lover will bequeath his or her private library to the Library. It's recycling at its best. The donor gets a tax deduction, the Library gets needed funds, and the purchaser gets great books at great prices.

What kinds of books do you have?
All kinds. Though it varies with the sale, you can expect a wide variety of nonfiction and fiction - from cookbooks to children's books, science fiction to poetry, biography to modern fiction. You can also expect a good selection of paperback fiction, lots of how-to books, and many delightful out-of-print books. Due to the unpredictable nature of the donated material, we may have unusual assortments of special topics. You just never know.

What can I expect at the sale?
Lots of books and lots of people, especially on Pre-Sale Day, which is for Friends members only. Be patient. Many books will still be in boxes on the floor this first day, and will be put up on the tables as the sale progresses, so there are plenty to choose from on the second, third and fourth days, too.

Is there parking available?
In addition to on-street parking and the Library/Depot parking lot below Michigan Street, there is parking available at several lots in the area. The closest parking lot is the 4th Avenue Auto Park, located at 402 W. Michigan Street.

Is there a book sale etiquette?
Due to the huge number of books donated and the limited space we have, aisles are narrow. We ask you:

We recommend a sturdy canvas book bag to carry your treasures.
Remember that all of the sales workers are volunteers who generously contribute their time to help the Library.

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3/17/10
Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior St., Duluth MN

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