Wilton Library’s Gigantic Annual Book Sale runs April 27 - 30

Piles and piles and rows and rows of cleaned, sorted, and categorized books blanket the tables of Wilton Library’s Book Cellar as volunteers prepare for the fundraiser that runs Saturday, April 27 through Tuesday, April 30.  The Gigantic Book Sale is one of the largest in the area with more than 75,000 items and provides a very positive impact on the library’s fiscal health each year.   The sale opens to early buyers on Saturday morning from 7 to 9 a.m. for an entry fee of $15.  The book sale admission price is free and bargains abound throughout the remaining days beginning Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, noon to 5 with a silent auction of rare and collectible books on both days; Monday 10 to 5 with items half-price; and Tuesday 10 to 2, $5 per bag.  On Saturday, the Rotary Club of Wilton will help keep shoppers fueled by providing hot dogs and sodas at lunchtime.  All proceeds will benefit the library.

“This is such a fun and robust time of year for the library,” noted Pat Gould, tri-chair of Wilton Library’s book sale. “We have hundreds of volunteers throughout the year combing through the generous book donations provided by the community, making sure that they are ready for the sale; once the book sale signs go up in early spring, we get another huge influx of items that we pour over so we’re busier than Santa’s elves on Christmas eve, trying to get everything organized, in place and ready to roll.”

Janet Zuckerman, tri-chair concurred, “Thanks to the generosity of the community, we have a wonderful selection of books, DVDs, CDs, for kids and adults, in all categories that include mysteries, gardening, travel, history, art books, science fiction.  There truly is something for everyone, whether in the Book Cellar or the Brubeck Room.”

According to Bob Russell, who meticulously cares for the silent auction, “The rare and collectible books silent auction boasts many finds including a first edition of A Yankee in King Arthur’s Court (1889), The Sixties by the quintessential portrait photographer Richard Avedon, and The Signal Corps in the War of the Rebellion (1896) to name just a few.  History buffs will be pleased by the offerings this year.”  The list of rare and collectible books can be found in advance of the sale on the library’s website at www.wiltonlibrary.org.

Lila Griswold, tri-chair remarked about the importance of this fundraiser to the library, “The camaraderie and spirit are terrific with all the people who help put this sale together, and each and every one of them knows how important this event is in keeping this library such a vibrant part of the community with the collections and services it offers.”

Wilton Library is located at 137 Old Ridgefield Road in the heart of Wilton Center.  For information and directions, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-3950, ext. 213.