Books - Bargains - Bliss

As I’ve written before, I enjoy books! I also enjoy bargains! Finding books at a bargain, for me, is bliss! Several of the libraries in my area have wonderful book fairs during the summer. Books and other material are collected throughout the year, and then sorted and placed out for the fair. The prices are unbelievable. Usually $1 or $2 for hardbacks, CDs, and trade paperbacks, $.50 for regular paperbacks and small books, and some books and magazines are even $.25. I usually try to make it to the Forest Park, River Forest, and Oak Park book fairs.

On the recent Friday afternoon when storms were raging in Forest Park, I was happily browsing the tables filled with donated books, and other materials. That building has to be a bomb shelter, because I literally didn’t hear a thing. I only heard people talking about the storm. Now once I went upstairs that was a different story. But I found some great bargains. I spent $8 and walked away with nine books, some by several of my favorite authors, a Wynton Marsalis Christmas CD, and a business CD set.

This past Friday, I stopped by the River Forest Library book fair. I spent $12 and was thrilled with the finds. I left with eleven books, two CD’s, and a book on tape performance of the play, A Raisin in the Sun. This was a find because the performers are Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, and others. It should be great! The books include You on a Diet by Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, a Paul Prudhomme cookbook, and several devotionals.

The organizers make it easy for you by pre-sorting the books and materials into categories – Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Crafts/Hobbies, Religion, Health, Travel, Music, Photography, Diet/Exercise, Business, Cookbooks, Self-Help, Children’s, Reference, etc. You can head right to your favorite area, or just hit them all. You don’t even have to bring bags. They usually have plenty and are happy to give you as many as you need.

If the prospect of browsing through so many books seems like it would be a drag don’t despair. Bring a list of authors, and one or several of the many volunteers will help you search, or even know right where what you’re looking for is located.

The Forest Park book fair was on a Friday and Saturday, and there was no admission fee. There was a $5 admission fee for the Friday evening of the River Forest book fair and Saturday was free. On the last day, Sunday, there was a Super Clearance Sale! You didn’t have to pay for any material, for a $5 admission fee you could take all that you could carry! The volunteers told me that last year, a man filled a van!

It’s not too late to get in on the biggest book fair in the area. The Oak Park Library book fair is on Friday August 6th 6pm-10pm and Saturday August 7th 9am-5pm. The admission is $5 on Friday and admission is Free on Saturday. This year it is in a new location, 260 W. Madison in Oak Park, IL. Sigh! More books, more bargains, more bliss! I can’t wait! See you there!

Kitten Heels

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