Sharon Wilson’s husband has begged her to stay on budget when she goes shopping at the Denver Public Library’s annual used-book sale.Good luck, especially since the sale runs for four days this year instead of its usual three.
“Every year he tells me not to spend more than $100,” says Wilson, a teacher at northwest Denver’s Trevista at Horace Mann. Wilson spent $850 one year on nonfiction and informational texts for her students.
The sale, running Thursday through Sunday, is celebrating its 35th year. In addition to the extra day, library staff also will sweep clean all the tables on Friday night and restock them with new materials available to Saturday-morning shoppers.
Proceeds are used to purchase new books and materials, said Diane Lapierre, the library’s director of community relations. Last year, about 15,000 shoppers raised $76,500 for the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation.
The majority of items have been donated, but others are purged from the library’s collection, including overstock and excess inventory. For example, one year Wilson snagged 25 copies of “Bridge to Terabithia.”
The crowds ebb and flow, but typically the weekdays are lighter. Bring a little red wagon, luggage cart or crate to haul away your spoils if you plan to stock up. The library is also reserving a valet area for buyers to pull up their cars to load purchases.
Materials are organized by subject area. “Buyers’ Bargains” features standard hardbacks for $3 and mass-market paperbacks for 50 cents. “Better Books” are priced individually and include signed copies of first editions, rare titles and collectible volumes. A separate media section features CDs, DVDs and audiobooks for $1, as well as some software. (Keep your eyes out for a shrink-wrapped Spanish-language Microsoft Office suite.)
Shoppers who want to get ahead of the crowd can join the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation (). The $50 annual fee nets members 10 percent off their first purchase and $10 in overdue- fee waivers. Plus, members get to attend a presale party the night before the sale opens to the public. Non-members can also join at the presale party.
At the end of the sale, area teachers are invited to the “Great Book Giveaway.” Nonprofits and teachers with valid IDs have an hour to gather as many free books as they can from what’s left.
Ron and Nina Else have purchased science fiction books at the sale for their own collection since the 1980s. But since becoming the owners of the Broadway Book Mall 10 months ago, the thrill of the hunt has shifted to finding the latest must-haves for their customers.
“Over the years, I’ve learned about so many new authors and book titles,” says Ron Else. “I always have something to offer to my customers or, hopefully one day, have enough time to read myself.”
Else’s shopping trick: Use a dolly. “We bring in a couple of boxes, stack a couple of them on a dolly and roll them out.” The No. 1 book he hopes to find this year: a first edition of “The Help,” by Kathryn Stockett.
“I don’t have a lot luck finding things, but one year I did find a signed copy of Tom Wolfe’s “The Right Stuff,” Else says.
Score!
Sheba R. Wheeler: 303-954-1283 or swheeler@denverpost.com
Denver Public Library Used Book Sale
A pre-sale party for Denver Public Library Friends Foundation members is Wednesday, 6 to 8 p.m. The sale is open to the public Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; north lawn of Denver Central Library, 10 W. 14th Avenue Parkway (corner of Broadway and 14th Avenue).
Shopping tips
Get there early: Each morning, customers begin to arrive about 30 minutes before the tents open.
Park it: Because of space considerations, shoppers are required to check strollers at the parking area. But consider stuffing a backpack or a Snugli with items.
Get oriented: Books are displayed in two tents, one for the “better books” and DVDs/ CDs, the big tent for everything else. Books are organized by category; signs clearly identify subject areas and volunteers can help customers locate types of books. But revel in the thrill of the hunt, relying on instinct and luck to find a specific title.Power up:Customers who neglect to fuel up at home can find refreshments for sale outside the tends and in the Coffee Mug inside the east doors of the Central Library.
Plan your attack: Collectors searching for rare or valuable items should begin in the “better books” area. Those hunting for DVDs or audiobooks should scour the media area. Bargain-hunters should make a beeline to the book tent.
Double up: Friends come together and share lists of “must haves,” covering twice the ground in the same amount of time.
Grab it: Experienced shoppers know that once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.
Shop often: Each day, books are restocked during the first hour and the last hour of the sale and as needed throughout the day. Come back Saturday for all-new materials.
Greed is good: There are no limits on purchases. Remember, every item sold benefits the library.
Go green: Boxes and plastic bags are provided. But be an eco-friendly shopper: bring your own reusable bag or purchase one on site for $1.
