Bargain books by the bucket

The Friends of the Multnomah County Library, an independent nonprofit organization, will host Oregon’s largest used book sale, taking place Oct. 28–31. The sale will be located at the Double Tree Hotel at 1000 NE Multnomah St., across from Lloyd Center.

“This year we have a great venue. The Double Tree is very convenient to get to, flexible parking and public transportation–friendly,” Friends of the Multnomah County Library President Craig Cedros said.

Friends is run by volunteers and has been around since 1972. This year will mark the group’s 38th annual used book sale, where shoppers will find more than 100,000 items ranging from DVDs, CDs, audio books, music sheets and pamphlets. Most books are priced at $1.50, while children’s books start at just 50 cents.

“You will be overjoyed with great bargains and treasures,” said Friends’ volunteer Janet Christ. “There are thousands and thousands of books and goodies available.”

Books and other materials are donated and collected at local libraries throughout the year and sold at the annual book sale. There are books in every subject that cater to the needs of just about every reader, with subjects ranging from pop culture to environmental studies.

Whether you’re looking for rare records or rare books, you will be able to find what you’re looking for with no hassle.

“If you have a specific subject or book that you’d like, you will be able to come in and out and leave with the item you’re looking for,” Cedros said.

The sale will be organized by subject and laid out on tables for easy access.

The Friends’ annual sale is a benefit for the Multnomah County Library system. Money earned goes toward providing money for library grants, reading groups and other materials not supported by regular library funding.

“The money raised by the book sale funds the libraries,” said Jeremy Graybill, Multnomah County Library communications director. “In addition, Friends provides grants for children’s programs, adult literacy, author visits, library staff enrichment and management planning.”

One of the programs funded by the grants is called “Bucket of Books”—plastic bags that provide teachers with books in subjects such as history, math and English.

“This sale helps make libraries richer,” Christ said. “It gives library groups the materials and money not supported by taxes.”

Last year’s sale raised more than $80,000. This year, the foundation would like to raise more money and continue to boost awareness of the nonprofit.

“We’d of course like to raise as much money as possible this year, but we would also like to encourage more people to get involved with Friends,” Christ said.

The event attracts not only local Portlanders; it draws people from across the country. In the past, Friends has teamed up with Wordstock, an international foundation that celebrates education and writing. Thanks to Wordstock, the Friends foundation has successfully increased the sale’s publicity.

“We have people from Seattle and all over coming to the sale,” Cedros said. “People want to be first in line to get first pick.”

To help support the Friends foundation, you can purchase an annual membership. Fees for individuals are $10 and $15 for families. The membership includes first choice for books at the sale, 10 percent off at the Friends store located at Central Library, an invitation to the annual Friends meeting (which includes dinner) and the opportunity to attend the book reading of a local author.

The book sale has flexible hours, giving everyone a chance to come out and peruse. The event is open Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Monday, Oct. 31, there will be a special 50 percent discount off all items.

So if you’re in need of a book, or perhaps a rare record, come out to the annual used book sale and help support and celebrate literature.

Let’s keep reading alive.