A Reader's Paradise

Friends of the Erie County Library

If a regulation-size ice-skating rink full to the brim with used books for sale sounds like your idea of paradise, you're in luck. The Great American Book Sale, which benefits the Friends of the Erie County Library, is returning to the Flo Fabrizio Ice Arena in June.

BEGINNING SUNDAY, JUN. 16

Looking for a good book, or maybe even thousands? From Sunday, June 16 through Friday, June 21, The Friends of the Erie County Library will be holding the annual Great American Book Sale at the Flo Fabrizio Ice Rink — an event filled to the brim with bestselling books, rare finds, and more.

The sale includes approximately 70,000 to 80,000 donated books, CDs, and puzzles from the community and library discards. The event is the group's largest fundraiser of the year, with proceeds going towards supporting Erie County Library programs and events. Last year, the event raised $77,379 after expenses.

"It's nice to be able to enable the wonderful librarians and staff that are working at the library to put on these amazing programs that the community enjoys," Friends board member Sara Baugh said.

Baugh reflected fondly on her experience going to the Great American Book Sale when it was held in the Villa Elementary School gymnasium, "It used to be a very exciting event that I would look forward to as a kid because it was really fun. It was really hot in there because it was the middle of the summer and it smelled like books."

The first day of the sale has the largest selection and attracts a crowd, Baugh said.  "I've sat right inside the door for the last couple of years when we open the doors, because it's really exciting."

The other days offer perks as well, including special deals later in the week — like being able to fill a bag with books for a flat rate of $2. The Collector's Corner at the event boasts rare editions and antique books, too.

Baugh explained that finding books at the event is like a treasure hunt, "You can find some pretty off-the-wall, strange books, so it can be a lot of fun. People enjoy that aspect of it."

The Friends of the Erie County Library will not be accepting book donations during the sale. 

Sunday, June 16 to Thursday, June 20 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. // No entry fee // Flo Fabrizio Ice Center, 527 W. 38th St. // For more info: erielibraryfriends.org