Union County Library Book Sale Set for March 25-28 in Lewisburg

Shoppers lined up in the parking lot at 255 Reitz Boulevard before the doors even open — that's how Toni Novosel, marketing coordinator for the Union County Library System, describes what happens every year when the Public Library for Union County holds its annual book sale. This year's event runs Wednesday, March 25, through Saturday, March 28, in the library's community room in Lewisburg.

More than 20,000 titles will be available across the four days, according to WNEP, with individually priced books covering all ages and interests. The library collects donations year-round to build that inventory, and new titles will be added each day of the sale.

"As soon as we open, people are in, they're ready to get their bags and fill up with books, so it's really nice, I think probably like noon, and later it probably simmers down a little bit, but the mornings get really busy," Novosel said.

Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25; 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 26; 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, March 27; and 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 28. Thursday's extended evening hours give working residents an extra window to shop.

Saturday brings a popular incentive: shoppers can fill a bag provided by the library for $25. Cash, check and card payments are welcome throughout the sale.

Proceeds go directly to support the Public Library for Union County's programs and operations. Novosel said this year's funds are earmarked for a specific need: "This one specifically is going to help with the catalog that we have in getting new content, new books, and stuff like that."

Lewisburg patron Anne Griffin, who also maintains a free little library for children, attends every year. "I love books, I love reading books to my kids — they're grown now, I love reading books to grandkids, I love reading myself, it's just something I do all the time, so I'm into it," Griffin said.

The library is still looking for volunteers to help with setup, sales, and cleanup before and during the event. Those interested can fill out a volunteer form at unioncountylibraries.org. For more information, call the library at 570-523-1172.