Semiannual book sale planned for March 25-28

The spring book sale, organized by the Friends of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Libraries, takes place Wednesday, March 25-Saturday, March 28. The sale is open to the public and is held in 116 Memorial Library, 728 State St.

The preview sale ($5 entry) will be held from 5-9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25. The prices for the books are $5 for hard covers and $3 for paperbacks.

The regular sale (no entry fee) runs from 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday-Friday, March 26-27. The regular sale prices are $3 for hard covers and $1 for paperbacks.

A $3-a-Bag sale will be held from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, March 28. Bring a grocery-sized bag to fill or buy a bag for $1. From 1:05-2 p.m., the remaining books are free.

The semiannual sale is the largest used book sale in Wisconsin and includes more than 15,000 books covering almost any subject, including American studies, fiction, foreign languages, cooking, physical and biological sciences, computer science, government, political science, law, education, fine arts, self-help, reference, business, social sciences, religion, philosophy, women’s studies and history. There are also maps, DVDs, CDs, videos and many LPs for sale.

Special collections for sale include English literature, drama, history of science, African American studies and children’s literature.

Nearly 60 volunteers help manage the event, which draws students, faculty and visitors from around the Midwest. The majority of books are donated by UW–Madison faculty, staff, students and Madison-area residents.

The sale helps fund special purchases for the library collections, an annual lecture series and a visiting scholar support program.

Friends board member Beth Kubly says, “Given the current economic conditions, no bibliophile would want to miss the sale. There’s a fascinating array of books that would meet any reader’s interests.”