Book Sale is a Big Draw During Lakewood Arts Fest

It’s not exactly a work of art, but the book sale at the will be one of the main attractions during the on Saturday. 

Sponsored by the Friends of the Lakewood Public Library, the annual sale is usually a big draw — and with good reason.

Covering just about all genres — including art, health, mystery and nonfiction — there are more than an estimated 60,000 books for sale during the event.

“But I think that’s understating it a little,” said Paul Tepley, a volunteer with the Friends of the Lakewood Public Library.

The sale is set from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday in the library’s basement.

Most books are 50 cents, although some — including children’s books — are three for 25 cents.

“We used to get books that people didn’t want,” said Mary Boyer, who has been a volunteer worker for the sale since it began in 1984. “Now we have to be really picky because we get so much.”

The Friends used to have a table set up outside during the Lakewood Arts Festival, she said, but it was so popular the volunteers decided to go with an all-out with the sale instead.

But it’s not just books anymore.

The sale will feature records for 50 cents; magazines and audio tapes for 10 cents; and CDs and DVDs for 50 cents.

“It’s a fun sale,” Boyer added.