Library book sale is planned for April 4-7
SIKESTON - There's just something about finding a good bargain. It's the kind of feeling you get at the Sikeston Public Library's annual book sale.
This year's event is set from 5-8 p.m. April 4, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 6 and 1-3 p.m. April 7.
Every year people come in droves to get the deal of the year which could be anything from sets of encyclopedias to best-selling books. There are children's books, fiction, paperbacks and miscellaneous textbooks on a variety of subjects.
Some of the books put in the sale are duplicates of what the library has, while others are simply outdated. There are also materials donated throughout the year to the facility specifically for the sale.
Mark your calendars, advised Library Director Sue Tangeman, because through the years many have caught on to the fact that the earlier you arrive, the better the selection. Books don't seem to last long at a sale where they are sold for 50 cents to $3 for individual books, $25 for encyclopedia sets and $1-$3 for hard covered books.
"When we open the doors at 5 p.m. there are always people standing, waiting to come in," said Tangeman with a chuckle. She noted reminders are sent to Head Start centers who have come to appreciate the economical prices.
Not only does the annual sale offer patrons thousands of books to choose from at bargain prices, the library director pointed out the money spent will benefit them as well. Proceeds from the book sale are used to purchase needed items such as the children's material and others books that were bought last year and the turnstiles the year before. Last year's sale raised about $1,500 for the library.
While many residents are determined to go to the book sale the first day, there are others who make it a point to wait until the end. It's become a tradition that on the last day of the sale patrons are invited to fill up paper bags with as many books as possible, all for $1.
"Everybody's looking for a good bargain," Tangeman said, "and this is it. People can bring as many paper grocery bags as they want. They can bring one and fill it up for $1 or bring five and pay $5. A lot of times people don't really care if there are only two books they like in it when they're paying $1 for the whole bag full.
"This books sale is an opportunity to pick up some great books for a little money. There is always something for everybody."