Library book sale fundraiser draws in students

Freshman open preference major Tyler Harris took interest in a collection of old music records Thursday at Cunningham Memorial Library's Annual Library Book Sale.

"I haven't been to a book sale before, but it seems like it offers a wider selection than I expected," Harris said.

The library was packed with ISU students and faculty, all looking to find good books for convenient prices.

Books were sold for no more than $2. CDs, DVDs and other media were also featured. Grab bags containing 10-15 books were sold for only a dollar.

The books ranged from fiction novels to reference textbooks; many of the books were donated, unpopular or simply withdrawn from library shelves.

"We usually take requests from students and faculty about what new books to buy in order to restock," said Alberta Comer, dean of library services.

Library associate Barbara Austin said this year's book sale has been in preparation for nearly a year and a half.

"This year the book sale is more convenient for everyone because we were able to use the library events space," Austin said.

She considers this year to be the most organized book sale to date.

In previous years, it took place in the lower level conference rooms of the library. The library events area offers much more space, including a five-foot wide walkway in between aisles for customers to easily navigate.

Last year, the library made $4000 from the book sale, and even more is expected this year.

The event continues Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and wraps up on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.

On Monday, reference section librarians will decide what remaining books from the event should be recycled or kept for next year.

"Books are never thrown away here, so the old ones are usually recycled or reused," Comer said.