Build A Better Book Sale – Donate Salable Books

The two annual book sales at Weaver Library attract hundreds of book lovers. Some are from the local community, some from throughout the state, and others from Massachusetts and Connecticut. What brings them to the Spring and Fall Book Sales is the quality of the books offered for sale, the reasonable pricing, and the meticulous organization of the event. Books are displayed on easily accessible wooden bookcases or metal book trucks for the convenience of patrons, and separated into more than 50 categories. Novels are arranged in alphabetical order, to make it easy to find favorite authors. Many describe it as like walking into a book store. That is not by accident. It is by design.

There are two essential components to the success of each sale: the quality of the books and the dedication of the volunteers who prepare and manage it. There are more than 300 members of the Friends of the East Providence Public Library. Dozens of them volunteer at the actual book sales, assisting customers. But a core group of about a half dozen are responsible for sorting through book donations and determining what ends up in the book sale

The Friends of the East Providence Public Library are now accepting books for their Fall Book Sale, scheduled for October 13 to 17, 2022. Hardcover and softcover books in gently used and resalable condition are wanted. Books should have bindings intact and be free of writing, highlighting, tears, water stains, mold or mildew. Especially in demand are children’s and young adult books and pocket-size paperback fiction and romance novels. We also welcome novels and non-fiction books on subjects such as art, sports, hobbies, crafts, history, home and garden, business, health, travel, music, religion, science, biographies and memoirs. Oversize and vintage books are needed for our Special Selections and Collectors’ Corner section. Music CDs, movie DVDs, TV series, comic books and complete jigsaw puzzles and games in nearly new condition are also welcome.

The Friends do not accept encyclopedias, Reader’s Digest condensed books, spiral bound books or books in 3-ring binders. Text books for kindergarten to grade 12, cassette tapes and VHS tapes will also not be accepted.

Items to donate should be delivered in a sturdy bag, box or container during library hours to the circulation desk at Weaver Library, 41 Grove Avenue, East Providence or Riverside Library, 475 Bullocks Point Avenue, Riverside. Donated books should not be placed in the book drop. Call 401-433-3463 in advance to drop off more than 10 bags or boxes of donated items. Proceeds from book sales benefit library programs, including museum passes, special concerts and events. Questions? Call the library at 401-434-2453.