Huge library book sale

The Friends of the Johannesburg Public Libraries is planning another daylong sale of second-hand fiction and non-fiction, art books, Africana and collectables.
BOOKWORMS and lovers of the written word can feed their fix and fill their bookshelves at a bumper book sale being hosted by the Friends of the Johannesburg Public Libraries on 4 March at Mark’s Park Sports Ground in Emmarentia.

Books will go at a fixed price of R15All second-hand books will be priced at R15 a copyAn all-day extravaganza lasting from 9am to 5pm means that shoppers will be able to amble unhurriedly from stall to stall, savouring the various genres and types of books that will be available.

“We will mainly be selling second-hand fiction and non-fiction books and some donations received from book dealers. Also there is a good selection of art books, Africana and collectables,” says Marsha Venter, from the City’s library and information services unit.

“All books sold are books that the libraries do not need either because they are duplicated or superseded by later editions.”

Bargain hunters will be in their element, as all books up for sale will be at low prices. All second-hand books will be priced at R15, while art books, Africana literature and collectables will be priced individually, but also at reasonable prices.

Even though the books are so reasonably priced, the book sales are usually a big success for the libraries. “We average about R50 000 per sale,” Venter says. All proceeds will go towards supplementing the book stocks of Joburg’s libraries, particularly those in underprivileged areas, and to reading programmes to encourage residents to use their libraries.

It is hoped that this sale will be bigger and better than before. “The success of the book sale has grown from sale to sale,” she says. “Each sale has raised more than the previous one and attracted more people.”

This is not the only intention of hosting the sale though, she explains. “What is equally important is the great atmosphere on the day as people find books they have been searching for, or treasures and bargains, meet old friends, and discuss books with new friends.

“Everyone, patrons and staff alike, really do enjoy the day and it is talked about for a long time afterwards.”

Refreshments will be available on the day. Mark’s Park is on Judith Road in Emmarentia.