SJPL holds annual book sale to support reading programs

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Book lovers will want to mark their calendars, as the Friends of the St. Joseph Public Library will kick off its annual book sale at the Downtown Library.

The sale begins with a Friends Only Preview Sale on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 9 am to 10 am, and then will open to the public soon after 10 am.

The sale will offer over 10,000 items, including Hardcover books for $2, paperbacks, CDs and DVDs for $1.

The sale will continue from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19 and Monday, Oct. 20.

All items will be half price during the sale from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

"Bag and box day" will take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22. Shoppers can pay $5 for "all you can fit in a bag" and $10 for "all you can fit in a box."

Nonprofit organizations and teachers can also get books for free during "bag and box day" from 2 to 6 p.m. when they show proof of tax exemption or a school ID. Those who want to participate in the free book giveaway will need to check in at the register when they arrive.

All items on sale at the library will be organized into categories for shopper convenience.

News-Press NOW spoke to Outreach and Marketing Services Manager Jessica Poet to learn more about the book sale.

"The money they earn goes back into the library. They support library programming. They support our book clubs. They help pay for our Excel High School seats, and they really help us in funding our summer reading program," said Poet.

Proceeds from the sale will help fund the Summer Reading Programs at the four St. Joseph library branches.