Book lovers will have several opportunities to shop for new and used children's literature at annual holiday sales the first weekend in December.
Sales that benefit various causes are scheduled early next month at Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College, the Bellingham Public Library and at libraries in Blaine and Ferndale.
For those who like to give books as gifts, now's the time to stock up. I've found quite a few gems at these sales over the years - including out-of-print titles and hardcover copies of classics. Our daughters do not seem to mind a gently used book, especially if it's a title they covet for their personal collection.
At the city and county libraries, many books for sale are titles that have been donated by patrons. Some are books that have been withdrawn from library circulation. Often, they are in very good condition.
Cash and checks are accepted at the library Friends sales. Cash, check, debit and credit cards are accepted at the WWU sale. It helps to bring cloth bags or a box to transport your purchases.
WWU: A book sale to benefit the annual Children's Literature Conference at Western Washington University from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, on the sixth floor of the Wilson Library on High Street, across from the Performing Arts Center and just south of the intersection with West Campus Way.
Featured are a variety of new books in all reading levels and genres, from picture books to young adult fiction - many of them recently published titles. Books are $5 for hardcover and $2 for paperback.
"It's really a great way to take a chance on a book that strikes you," said Sylvia Tag, head of the WWU Children's Literature Interdisciplinary Collection. "Especially young adult fiction at $2 for a paperback - you can't beat that for brand new books."
Proceeds benefit the Children's Literature Conference, which this year features Newbery winner Gary Schmidt. For more information, contact Tag at Sylvia.tag@wwu.edu.
WCC: At Whatcom Community College, the annual library book sale is from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, in the Heiner Center lobby. The sale includes new and used textbooks and media items such as music CDs and films on VHS and DVD.
For more information, contact Reserve Services manager Ara Taylor at 360-383-3300 or ataylor@whatcom.ctc.edu.
Bellingham Public Library: The Friends of the Bellingham Public Library is having its annual holiday used book sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec.7, through Saturday, Dec.10, downstairs at the Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Ave. Children's books will be set up in the basement hallway at the foot of the stairs, and young adult fiction for teen readers will be in the downstairs meeting room across from the Children's Library.
On Wednesday and Thursday, most books will be $1. On Friday, all books are half the marked price. On Saturday, books sell for $4 a bag.
Proceeds benefit the Friends group, which provides library support in various ways. For more information, contact 360-778-7250 or bellinghamfriends@yahoo.com.
Blaine: The Blaine Library Friends holiday book sale is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, in the meeting room of the library, 610 Third St. near D Street in Blaine.
The date was chosen to coincide with Blaine's popular Winterfest celebration, said library branch manager Debby Farmer. Most hardcover books are priced at $1 and paperbacks at 50 cents, with children's titles at half that price. Popular hardcover titles in good condition may be priced as high as $2, Farmer said.
Proceeds benefit the Friends group, which provides library support in various ways. For more information, contact Debby Farmer at 360-332-8146 or debby.farmer@wcls.org.
Ferndale: Friends of the Ferndale Library will hold their annual Holiday Open House this year as part of the Pioneer Park Olde Fashioned Christmas, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3; and 1- 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, in the library's new location at 2007 Cherry St. at First Street, near Pioneer Park.
Prices start as low as 10 cents, but can go as high as $5 for a popular recent release in nearly new condition.
"There's some pretty good finds sometimes," Sarah Koehler, branch manger of the Ferndale Library, which is part of the Whatcom County Library System. The Ferndale Library Friends are pretty good about finding books in very good condition.
In addition, Friends volunteers will be on hand during the sale to help children find gifts for family members.
"They'll have a special table set up and staffed through the weekend," Koehler said. Friends members will set aside books that children might like to give their parents, such as a volume on fly fishing for dad or an arts/crafts how-to book for mom, she said.
For more information, contact Koehler at 360-384-3647 or sarah.koehler@wcls.org.
