Friends of Alamance County Libraries Launch Spring Book Sale in Burlington

The basement of May Memorial Library in Burlington is stacked floor to ceiling with donated books, DVDs, CDs and vinyl records as the Friends of the Alamance County Public Libraries hold their spring sale through March 15, with proceeds flowing to all four county library branches.

Volunteer Beth Cooley said the opening days draw the most dedicated shoppers. "It's busier. I think you do get some of your real diehard regulars who are here really excited about the sale, because they can find great books every year," Cooley said. "People do like to get here early in the sale to get the good selections."

The inventory arrives entirely through community donations, dropped off at any of Alamance County's four public libraries before the sale. Cooley described finding unexpected gems in each cycle. "We get some real treasures," she said. "People donate some really great books, some antique books, but also really current fiction, in particular. I think it's a good community builder."

Books are organized into categories including novels, cookbooks, geography and religion, alongside a dedicated children's section. Paperbacks are priced at $2, hardbacks at $3, and children's books at $1. On March 14, shoppers can buy a bag for $15 and fill it with as many books as it holds, a day Cooley said reliably draws a crowd.

First-day admission on March 6 was limited to dues-paying members of the Friends organization, though an annual household membership was available at the door for $20. Funds raised support programming across the library system, including summer reading groups and craft projects for children.

Gwen Norwood, who has attended the sale for more than a decade, said she keeps a running list of titles to hunt for each time she visits, drawn back year after year by the prices.

Volunteers Angela Oertel, Kay Andrews and Emily Hackney were among those shelving last-minute donations in the days leading up to the sale's March 6 opening. The Friends of the Alamance County Public Libraries, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, hosts the sale twice a year, every fall and spring. The organization can be reached at 342 S Spring St in Burlington or by phone at (336) 229-3588.