Archive for February, 2011

The annual Friends of the Library Book Sale is this weekend at State Fair Park.  This book sale is one of the largest in the nation and a tradition for tons of Oklahoma residents.  If you haven’t attended in the past, you might want to read through our handy survival guide so you know what to expect and how to prepare. 

Arrive on time – The book sale takes place every year on the final full weekend in February.  This year the sale will be open to the general public from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM on Saturday, February 26 and Sunday, February 27.  If you want to shop early on Friday night, you can purchase a Friends of the Library membership.  Memberships are $10 (4 tickets) for individuals and families and $6 (2 tickets) for seniors.

Navigation – The book sale is housed in the Oklahoma Expo Hall at State Fair Park.  Here’s a map.  About 1,000 volunteers work diligently all year sorting books to get ready for the annual sale.  Once the sale arrives, they painstakingly move the books from their warehouse to State Fair Park.  Once the books arrive they distribute them to their designated tables in the building.  Books are sorted by genre or subject matter: romance novels in one area, westerns in another, and so on and so on.  Each area is clearly marked with signage.

Hauling 101 – As we said before, this book sale is one of the largest in the U.S. with over 600,000 books, CDs, audio books, magazines, and  DVDs available.  You will not leave empty-handed.  One thing to remember is that you are going to need to transport these items around the building and to your car.  Bring bags, a rolling suitcase or cart, strollers, or a wheelbarrow.

Holding Areas – Two holding areas are available where you can drop off the books you have decided to buy to be ‘held’ while you shop for more items!  You might not think you need a holding area now but you’ll be thinking us later when you see how quickly your bags fill up.   

Money –The book sale only accepts cash and checks so you can leave plastic and at home.  It might be a good idea to set a budget for yourself so you know how much cash to bring.  Keep in mind that the majority of hardback books are $1 and paperbacks are $.50.