Weekly Specials, News & More

Bookstore News November 18 - 21

CarolM — 2009-11-17T14:54:00Z

If you enjoy a good mystery, we have a sale for you. Select hard cover mysteries are on sale this week for 50¢ each. But wait, if you want to save even more money and stock up for the winter, you can buy 3 for a dollar! Books include titles by classic and current mystery authors. You’re sure to find many books you will enjoy.

Holiday books are available. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa books for children and adults are just the thing to help you begin to get into the spirit of the season.

The annual Gift Book Sale begins a week from Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. Mark your calendar for Friday, November 27. The sale begins at 10:00 a.m. The word is out about the quality of books at this sale. Beautiful, gift-quality books are available at a fraction of the retail price. Start your holiday shopping on Friday, November 27 at the Friends Bookstore and I promise you will feel great about both the gifts you’ll buy and the (small) prices you’ll pay.

In the Bookstore November 11 - 14

CarolM — 2009-11-16T14:54:00Z

The smallest bookstore still contains more ideas of worth than have been presented in the entire history of television. ~Andrew Ross, author

Our small bookstore is filled with ideas to contemplate, facts to learn, and stories to immerse yourself in.

I want to share with you a list of the categories of books we have available in the bookstore. Lots and lots of food for thought.

Architecture, Art, Biography, Black Studies, Business, CDs (music), Children’s, Civil War, Classics, Collectibles, Computers, Cooking, Crafts, Diet, Drama, Education, Fiction, Fitness, Food, Foreign Language, Gardening, Geography, Government, Health, History, Hobbies, How To, Humor, Language, Law, Literature, Marriage, Mathematics, Medicine, Michigan, Military, Miscellaneous, Music, Mystery, Native American, Nature, New Age, New Arrivals, Occult, Parenting, Philosophy, Poetry, Psychology, Reading, Reference, Religion, Romance, Science, Science Fiction, Self Help, Seniors, Sociology, Speaking, Speech, Sports, Spy, Travel, True Stories, Westerns, Women’s Issues, Writing, Young Adult Fiction

We welcome you to come in and browse.

Bookstore Specials November 4 - 7

CarolM — 2009-11-16T14:54:00Z

Today I woke up to the morning radio DJ announcing that there are only 52 shopping days left until Christmas. Time seems to go so fast! I think I hear this statement or say it myself almost every day. Today, as we do every Tuesday in the bookstore, we talked about what to spotlight this week. We all agreed it’s time to put out the Christmas and Hanukah books. So, if you are ready to plunge (or maybe just wade) into the holiday season, we have the books to help you do just that. Our Holiday Books cart includes fiction, both children and adult, and holiday crafts and cooking.

Also this week VHS videos remain at ½ off our low price (most are only $1.00) and we have an extra cart of Hobbies and How To… books available.

We are still quite low on children’s books. Perhaps you have books your children have outgrown and have been thinking about donating them. Now would be a great time. We will gratefully accept and appreciate your donation. Check out the Donating Books & Media link on our website or call 553.7821 with questions about donating.

Bookstore Specials October 28 - 31

CarolM — 2009-11-16T14:54:00Z

Vintage or antique objects are valued for several reasons including age, beauty and rarity. Determining whether or not an item is vintage or antique is often a subjective decision. The standard that I use is simple; it must be older than I am. That rule doesn’t strictly apply to some of the” vintage” items we have for sale this week. I’m using the term anyway to describe the collection of vintage postcards as well as the vintage University of Michigan Football Programs.

We have a really charming collection of postcards from as early as 1918 and many from the 1950s and 1960s. The postcards are divided by location; including cards from Michigan, Chicago, New York City, Florida, California and more. Looking through these old postcards bring back memories of days gone by and provide a glimpse of social and cultural history.

College football programs also provide a glimpse into the past. The University of Michigan Programs available include: Indiana – Michigan, Nov. 12, 1949; Michigan – Illinois, Nov. 10, 1956; and Michigan – Michigan State, Oct.12, 1957. These programs are in very good condition and are only $5.00 each.

Other items in the spotlight this week are Hobbies and How To (we have a lot of great books) and VHS videos on sale for ½ price.

Bookstore Specials October 21 - 24

CarolM — 2009-10-20T14:54:00Z

Our audio/visual materials have started to take over the back room! There is no longer any space to store videos. That is a problem but we think we have the solution. Starting on Wednesday all VHS videos are 1/2 price. That means most videos are now only $1.00. We also have a sale on select audio books. Look for the red dot on the boxed audio books to receive 1/2 off our sticker price. These books are mostly on cassette tapes. Finally, we have a diverse selection of A/V materials including audio or video programs on various topics ( foreign language, business, Shakespeare, music, religion, and more) and computer games and software.

Once in a while we ask for your help and this is one of those times. We are in need of gently used children's books. Our special need is for young children's picture and story books. If you have books that you can donate and want to know how; click on the Donating Books & Media link (on the right side of this page) for information. Your donations will be greatly appreciated.

Bookstore Specials October 14 - 17

CarolM — 2009-10-13T14:54:00Z

A large selection of Michigan-themed books are being featured again this week in the bookstore. More books have been added and there are definitely books available that any Michigan history buff would love to have. In addition to history there are fiction books by Michigan authors, cook books, travel/geography books, children's books and more.

Halloween is just a few short weeks away. We have a cart of Halloween and just-plain-spooky stories available for children and adults. Stop by and check out these and other great buys at the bookstore this week.

Help Us Celebrate Our Golden Anniversary

CarolM — 2009-10-06T14:54:00Z

We’re celebrating! For fifty years the Friends of the Kalamazoo Public Library has been committed to supporting and promoting the library, literacy and reading. To help us celebrate, on Saturday, Michigan author and historian, Larry Massie will present "Old Books, Trash or Treasure" a program designed to help audience members evaluate the worth of their books. (See last week’s post for more information.)

We are also celebrating this important anniversary in the store. What better way to do that than by offering our customers an opportunity to shop from a very special selection of books, and a very special sale? In honor of this milestone we have put together a large and diverse selection of Michigan-themed books. These books include local history (both cities and state), Michigan authors, biographies, cook books and more. In addition to this exceptional selection of Michigan-themed books, we have a really special sale you won’t want to miss. Our regular customers are familiar with our book bundles. A bundle consists of four trade fiction books that normally sell for $2.00 a book. But because we are celebrating you can buy a bundle, four books, for only $2.00. That’s eight dollars worth of books for only $2.00!

Come celebrate with us!

Book

Author Larry Massie presents "Old Books: Trash or Treasure?"

larry-massie-003b-160

http://www.kpl.gov/events/old-books.aspx

Old Books, Trash or Treasure?

LindaK — 2009-09-29T14:54:00Z

Is that old copy of Gone with the Wind you inherited from your grandmother worth something or should you be using it to prop open the back door. Come to the Central Library's Van Deusen Room on Saturday, October 10 and find out. At 2 p.m. Michigan author and historian, Larry Massie, will present "Old Books, Trash or Treasure" and will illustrate his talk with examples from his own extensive (over 35,000 volume) library. After his talk, Massie will evaluate up to 2 books, pamphlets or magazines from each audience member. This program is presented to the public as a gift from the Friends of the Library who are celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year. Although it is completely FREE, reservations are required. Call 553-7821 to insure your seat at this fast-paced, fun and informative show.

Bookstore Special September 23 - 26

CarolM — 2009-09-23T14:54:00Z

A big thank you to everyone that has recently donated books to the Friends. Our wonderful community continues to support this organization and the library. We are so pleased to be able to fill our little bookstore with your gently used donations. We make every effort to gently price them and make them available for others to read and enjoy.

In the spotlight this week are vintage books, graphic design books and poetry.

Big Book Sale this Saturday, September 19

CarolM — 2009-09-15T14:54:00Z

The annual September Book Sale is this Saturday. It will be held in the Van Deusen Room on the third floor of the library. It begins at 9:00 and concludes at 3:30. All books are 10 cents each or you can buy a bagful (our bag or yours) for $2.00! Sale books include fiction, nonfiction, and children's books. Don't miss

Bookstore Specials September 9 - 12

CarolM — 2009-09-08T14:54:00Z

The Webster’s New International Dictionary was revised and expanded in 1934 for a second edition. This edition is popularly known as Webster’s Second or W2. This enormous dictionary has over 600,000 entries and reportedly contains every word used in the works of Shakespeare including the names of all the characters. Also included in this edition are a Pronouncing Biographical Dictionary; many proper names from mythology, fiction, and the Bible as well as names of buildings and works of art; a ten page section titled Arbitrary Signs and Symbols; and more than 30 color plates. Webster’s Second contains a famous error, the inclusion of the ghost word “dord." Dord is the result of a slip of paper written during the editing process which read “D or d, cont./density” This notation was made by the chemistry editor and indicated that D or d were abbreviations for the word “density." D or d was misinterpreted as a single word and dord became a synonym for density. Dord was first noticed by an editor five years later. We have one of these wonderful, massive dictionaries in the bookstore and it can be yours for $45.00.

Special topics in the spotlight this week are; philosophy, religion, women’s studies, and vehicles. And, don’t forget a week from this Saturday is our annual September Book Sale. Books are 10¢ each or $2.00 for a bagful.

Bookstore Specials September 2 - 5

CarolM — 2009-09-01T14:54:00Z

This weeks we are featuring two new categories of books. First we have a great selection of books about vehicles. You will find books about cars, boats, trains and planes, both modern and vintage. This collection includes some very fine books but the selection is limited so if you're interested hurry down. Secondly we have put together an interesting group of books about women's issues, these include women's studies and history, literature, short stories and more. We even have a book signed by Gloria Steinem.

Don't forget the September Book Sale is coming soon. The big day is Saturday, September 19, 9:00 to 3:30. It will be held in the Van Deusen Room in Central Library.

Bookstore Specials August 26 -29

CarolM — 2009-08-25T14:54:00Z

Saturday, September 19 is the date for our annual September Book Sale. For the second time we will hold the sale inside instead of outdoors. The sale, to be held in the Van Deusen Room on the third floor of Central Library, will open at 9:00 and conclude at 3:30. Books will sell for 10¢ each or you can fill up a grocery-size bag – ours or yours – with books for only $2.00

This week in the store there are a couple of things I would like to bring to your attention. We have a lot of religion books! There are books about different religions, various religious and spiritual practices, Bibles, study guides, commentaries, and more. Look for these religion books on a cart in the center aisle. Another group of books I’d like to tell you about are the special children’s books that have either Michigan authors or illustrators. Some of the stories are set in Michigan. These are mainly picture books but there are also a few chapter books. This is a very nice selection of children’s books with a connection to Michigan. Finally we have a couple of attractive large framed prints for sale. If you looking for some wall art check these out; you can’t bet our prices.

In the Bookstore August 12 - 15

CarolM — 2009-08-11T14:54:00Z

"More than any other single skill, the ability to read – and read well – allows a child to succeed in school, learn about the world, function in society, and some day have good job options." (A quote from the National Children's Literacy Website.) We all know that the ability to read is life-changing. For many of us the idea of life without reading is almost unimaginable. As parents we hope our children not only become good reader but learn to enjoy reading. One of the ways to encourage reading in children is to let them own there own books. The Children's Area in the bookstore is filled with wonderful books for children of all ages. Books start at 25 cents and most are less than $2.00. If you have children or grandchildren, nieces or nephews, I would encourage you to check out the Children's Area at the bookstore. For just a little bit of money you can make a big impact on a child's life.

New in the Bookstore August 5 - 8

CarolM — 2009-08-04T14:54:00Z

Every so often we receive a book as a donation that I think deserves some special attention. If the book is a “collectible” book we list it online on our book sale site (librarybooksales.org) and place it in our Collector’s Corner Cabinet. I have decided to use this space to highlight some of these special books from time to time. So, today I want to tell you about a book titled Focus on Africa by Richard Upjohn Light. This book has Richard Upjohn Light’s bookplate on the front inside cover and the words “Author’s Copy” written on the front free endpaper.

Richard Upjohn Light was a grandson of W. E. Upjohn (founder of The Upjohn Company); he was also a neurosurgeon, aviator, cinematographer, and director of the Yale School of Medicine (1933 – 1935), director of The Upjohn Company (1337 – 1968), and President of the American Geographical Society.

In September of 1937 Richard Upjohn Light and his wife Mary, decided to fly over South America and Africa to celebrate their recent marriage. He piloted the plane and she was the co-pilot, navigator, and radio operator. At the time, many parts of the world had not been aerially photographed; the American Geographical Society was trying to accrue aerial views in order to assemble complete aerial documentation of the world. Richard and Mary decided to record the trip through aerial photographs and Mary added photographer to her list of duties for the trip. In September of 1937 the Lights left Kalamazoo in a Bellanca monoplane. The plane was unheated and they had to breathe with the aid of oxygen tanks because the plane was unpressurized.

In 1941 Focus on Africa was published (American Geographical Society), describing in text and photographs their flight across Africa. The dust jacket blurb calls this book describing the Light’s trip from Cape Town to Cairo part… “travel book”…part “study in geography”…and a book of “risky adventures”.

Richard Upjohn Light and Mary Upjohn (Light) Meader both had strong, deep ties to our community. Both were adventurers, pioneers and philanthropists, they were committed to cultural understanding, education and the arts. These are the kind of people we all can proudly say come from our hometown.

Bookstore Specials July 29 - Aug 1

CarolM — 2009-07-28T14:54:00Z

Raymond Chandler, Agatha Christy, Rex Stout, Ed McBain, Mignon G. Eberhart, Erle Stanley Gardner, A.A. Fair, G.K. Chesterton, Dashiell Hammett. These are some of the famous mystery authors of the 1940's, 50's and 60's. You can find paperback books by these authors and more priced at only 25¢ in our large special selection of vintage paperback mysteries. If titles like "The Case of the Negligent Nymph" and "The Case of the Glamorous Ghost" (Gardner) or "The Lady in the Lake" (Chandler) remind you how much you enjoy the classic mysteries of days-gone-by; come to the bookstore and treat yourself to a couple dollars-worth of great old-time suspense. We are also continuing the sale on more current mystery and fiction week; these select books are priced at only 50¢ each. And, this is the last week for the Christmas in July sale.

Bookstore Specials July 22 - 25

CarolM — 2009-07-21T14:54:00Z

Downtown Kalamazoo is the place to be this week. Sidewalk Sales will offer great opportunities to save money while you enjoy outdoor entertainment and special activities for children will keep them occupied and happy. Although the bookstore is not on the mall we are just down the street. We certainly hope you will visit us while you're downtown. To celebrate Downtown Kalamazoo and the Sidewalk Sales we are having a super sale on select fiction and mystery. Both select hardcover and paperback mystery and fiction books are only 50¢! I'm sure you'll find some of your favorite authors at this sale and at this price you can stock up. While you're here be sure and check out the Cookbook Sale cart and the Christmas in July Sale.

Bookstore Specials July 15 - 18

CarolM — 2009-07-14T14:54:00Z

If you like to cook or just find pleasure in reading recipes, I think you will enjoy looking through the wonderful selection of cookbooks available in the store this week. In addition to general and basic cookbooks you will find specialty cookbooks, gourmet and ethnic cookbooks, cookbooks with recipes for healthy foods and those with recipes for comfort foods. There is a cookbook that tells how to put together twenty minute meals and there's also one of Julia Childs cookbooks. It is an inspiring selection of cookbooks all gently priced.

The Christmas in July sale continues this week. You can get an early start on planning for the Christmas season. Start now with some helpful ideas you'll find in the selection of books on Christmas crafts, decorating, cooking, and other Christmas activities.

Bookstore Specials July 8 - 11

CarolM — 2009-07-07T14:54:00Z

Christmas in July. We are spotlighting Christmas-themed books this month for all those well organized, plan-ahead type of people who actually start thinking about and planning for Christmas early in the year. You will find Christmas craft books, cookbooks, activity and decorating books, children and adult fiction even Christmas videos! If you've never started thinking about Christmas in July before, maybe this is the year to start planning early and then you can be one of those lucky people who are able to relax in December and enjoy a less stressful holiday season.

Check last week's post for information on some really special law books.We are happy to have a couple of extraordinary sets of classic legal works for sale.

Bookstore Hours and Specials, July 1 & 2

CarolM — 2009-06-30T14:54:00Z

The bookstore will only be open Wednesday and Thursday due to the Fourth of July holiday. Be sure and plan to make it in early this week so you will be set for the long holiday weekend.

I’m excited to be able to tell you about some of the extraordinary books we have in the store this week. For starters we have a beautiful set of special leather-bound editions of classic legal works privately printed for members of the Legal Classics Library. There are 26 volumes, part of a larger set, all uniquely bound in a variety of colored leather bindings. Titles include; The Great Speeches and Orations of Daniel Webster, the Magna Charta, the Common Law and Other Writings by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Art of Cross Examination by Francis Wellman, Ancient Law by Henry Sumner Maine, and twenty one other titles. These 26 volumes are being sold as a set for the very reasonable price of $500. Another remarkable set of books available this week is the Commentaries on the Laws of England by William Blackstone. This very attractive four volume set is bound in brown leather and sells for $175. Both of these sets of books not only contain an abundance of classic legal knowledge but they will definitely look elegant on your bookshelves..

A couple of other items I’d like to bring to your attention include a nice selection of books on nature and our collection of yearbooks. If you enjoy books on nature be sure and check out the Science and Nature area in the store. It is particularly well stocked with a variety of interesting nature books. Finally, many of you may not know that we carry and sell high school and college yearbooks. Donated yearbooks, not needed for the library collection, are priced and shelved in our Reference section. We recently received books from Loy Norrix, Kalamazoo College, and WMU. If you are looking to replace a missing yearbook, check us out.

Bookstore Specials June 24 - 27

CarolM — 2009-06-23T14:54:00Z

The Summer Solstice has come and gone and summer is finally here. My ideal summer day includes sunshine, a warm breeze, and of course, a good book. Part of that equation is pretty easy for me to fill, since I work in the bookstore, I virtually never am without a good book. We try our best to make it easy for everyone in the community to have access to good-quality, low-cost books. Every week (often everyday) we put out new materials and we are open four days a week for your convenience.

Each week we try to spotlight a different category of books. Sometimes we choose a category because we have a large supply of those books or because we have something a little bit unusual. Often we put together a cart of a certain type of books to "shine the spotlight on it" or bring it to your attention. This week we have brought together interesting selections of Miscellaneous Books, Media and Entertainment Books, and Religion Books. We have lots of great reads in these and many more categories. Come down and pick up a book or two to help complete your perfect summer day.

Bookstore Specials June 17 - 20

CarolM — 2009-06-16T14:54:00Z

Sunday is Father's Day. Make some time this week to visit the bookstore and browse through our books, movies and audio books to find just the right gift for your dad. We even grouped together a selection of books that we thought might be of special interest to dads, but be sure and check our shelves for additional gift-quality books. If your dad is interested in the civil war you might consider the 25 volume Time-Life Civil War set that is sale priced this week. The set has been priced at $75.00 but is reduced to only $37.50 this week. Other ideas for gift books are books on golf, history, science and nature, biographies, or mysteries. What ever interests your dad, you're sure to find a good read on the topic that he will enjoy.

Bookstore Specials June 10 - 13

CarolM — 2009-06-09T14:54:00Z

Books "in the spotlight" this week include science fiction/ fantasy and pets and animal books. Fans of science fiction or fantasy will be happy to find, that for this week at least, the selection is much larger than usual and includes both classics and newer choices. Our selection of pet and animal books should please folks looking for information about pets or those that like to read about animals. This selection includes books on how to care for specific animals as well as more general information on animals and animal stories.

We recently received as a donation the PMBR Multistate CD Review. This is a 29 CD set multistate review for the bar exam. It covers torts, contracts, property, evidence, criminal law, and constitutional law. This review is the one currently in use and a real bargain at $35.00.

As always we look forward to seeing you in the bookstore this week!

Bookstore News June 10 - 13

CarolM — 2009-06-09T14:54:00Z

The June Sidewalk Book Sale is this Saturday!

CarolM — 2009-06-02T14:54:00Z

The annual June Sidewalk Sale is this Saturday, June 6 from 9:00 to 3:30. It is held under the portico at Central Library. Thousands of books are available. The books are priced at 10 cents each or you can buy a grocery bag from us and fill it with books for only $2.00. If you want to be "green" and bring your own reusable bag, that's okay. We will stamp your hand in exchange for $2.00 and you can fill your own bag. General fiction, mystery, science fiction, and romance as well as children's books and a big selection of assorted nonfiction books will be available at the sale. Plan to come early and stock up on some great reads at these really incredibly low prices.

Specials in the store this week include sales on select romance fiction priced at two books for 25 cents, select hardcover mysteries priced at two for $1.00 and select tween/teen fiction for 50 cents each. We still have a good selection of all three of Rick Bragg's memoirs priced at only $2.50 each. In addition to all of that we have lots of new arrivals and much, much more.

Bookstore Specials May 27 - 30

CarolM — 2009-05-26T14:54:00Z

There are lots of reasons to visit the bookstore this week. Special sales and a great selection of books is par for the course at The Friends, but we have some particularly interesting offerings right now.

We are excited to be able to offer all three of the 2009 Reading Together author, Rick Bragg’s books this week. Thanks to the Reading Together program we have multiple copies of All Over but the Shoutin’, Ava’s Man, and The Prince of Frog Town. If you have not had the chance to read these engaging memoirs, now is your opportunity to get your copies for only $2.50 each. You will not only be getting a great read at an excellent price, but you will be helping to support the Reading Together program with your purchase.

Last week we put out a cart of history books. These books are mostly about 19^th and 20^th century European history. Although many books sold last week, a very large donation has made it possible for us to restock and offer you even more this week.

Romance novel enthusiasts this is your week to stock up on romantic fiction. Select books are sale priced at 2 books for 25¢! Check out the cart in the aisle marked Romance, for romance at this super bargain price.

Also of interest this week is a selection of videos on assorted topics including gardening, travel, cooking, opera, and others. We have this interesting selection of videos because the library is switching over to DVD’s like all the video stores have. But if you still have a VCR this is your chance to pick up some very cheap videos on some very interesting topics.

Finally, the annual Friends Bookstore June Sidewalk Sale is on Saturday, June 6 from 9:00 until 3:30. That is the first Saturday in June and Super Saturday in downtown Kalamazoo. Join us at Central Library under the portico for our giant book sale. All books are 10¢ a book or $2.00 for a grocery-size bagful.

Bookstore Specials May 20 - 23

CarolM — 2009-05-19T14:54:00Z

There are many reasons for studying history. It is a way to learn about people and times different than our own. Some people believe that we can build a better future by learning from past mistakes. Studying history is a means of providing identity, explaining how communities and nations were formed and evolved. These are just a few of the reasons people enjoy the study of history. If you are a history buff, you will be happy to know that the bookstore has recently received a large donation of history books. These books are primarily European 19th and 20th century histories. Most books range in price from 50 cents to $2.00. We hope you'll stop down and check out the selection.

Bookstore Specials May 13 - 16

CarolM — 2009-05-12T14:54:00Z

We are celebrating Children's Book Week this week. Children's Book Week is an annual event that began in 1919. According the Children's Book Council "A celebration of the written word, Children's Book Week introduces young people to new authors and ideas in schools, libraries, homes and bookstores." In honor of the week and in order to help children become acquainted with new authors and ideas the Friends Bookstore is offering a select group of children's books for 1/2 price. In addition to these sale books we have a wonderful selection of children's books for children from infants to teens. Most of these books range in price from 50 cents to $2.00.

A couple of other ongoing sales and specials this week include all VHS videos and a select group of cookbooks for 1/2 off. Great deals you won't want to miss. If you are a golfer or just interested in the sport we have a really nice selection of golf books. These books include books on how to golf , golf humor, golfers' biographies and other golf related topics.

Finally, I have a suggestion I would like to share with you. During the spring and summer months many of us are cleaning out 'stuff 'at home and trying to make a little extra cash by holding a yard sale. Remember us if you have books left over that didn't sell. We will happily accept your gently used book donations. Check out the Donating Books link for how to donate.

Bookstore Specials May 6 - 9

CarolM — 2009-05-05T14:54:00Z

Maybe the nice weather we've enjoyed the last few days is responsible for the increased donations we have recently received. Maybe people are spring cleaning or perhaps the pleasant weather has just made it easier to bring donations down to the bookstore. Whatever the reason, more donations means more books and greater choices for your shopping pleasure.

This week in the store we have a cart of select cookbooks priced at 1/2 off. You will certainly find some real bargains here! All VHS videos are also selling for 1/2 off our usual low prices this week. We have a large and diverse selection of videos to choose from.

The June Sidewalk Sale is coming soon. The sale is scheduled for Saturday, June 6 from 9:00 to 3:30. The June Sidewalk Sale is the biggest special sale we have all year. Books sell for 10¢ each or a whole grocery bagful for $2.00. Watch this site for more information. Be sure and mark your calendar now.

Thank You Volunteers!

LindaK — 2009-04-28T14:54:00Z

Those who can, do.
Those who can do more, volunteer. (author unknown)

Friends of the Library is lucky enough to have a large group of people who "do more". There are about 50 of these wonderful folks and they sort donated materials in the garage & the back room, shelve books, clerk in the Friends Bookstore, staff our sidewalk sales, serve on our governing board and work hard at supporting the library in every way they can. We couldn't let National Volunteer Week (April 26 - May 2) pass without noting their hours of dedicated service.

So Thank You Volunteers both past & present! Thank you for believing in literacy. Thank you for valuing the world of books. Thank you for striving to keep abreast of new media technology. Most of all, thank you for understanding that all of these things come together in our public library and for joining us here.

Come to the Annual Meeting

LindaK — 2009-04-21T14:54:00Z

The Friends Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday, May 2 in the community room of the Oshtemo Branch Library on 7265 West Main St. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. with some brief business. President Tom Pagel will introduce the new slate of officers and board members for the 2009/10 fiscal year. Proposed changes to the Friends By-Laws will be presented for a vote of the membership (the text of proposed changes is currently available in the Bookstore). Light refreshments will be served.

The featured speaker for the morning is Beth Timmerman, local history specialist from the Central Library. Beth will inform us about the Local History Room and all of its resources. Her presentation will be interestingly enhanced by selected slides.

There is no charge for this program but reservations are required. Please call the Friends Office at (269)553-7821 or email Friends@kpl.gov. Hope to see you on the 2nd!

Bookstore News April 15 - 18

CarolM — 2009-04-14T14:54:00Z

April 12 through 18 is National Library Week. This special week is designated as a time to honor and celebrate libraries and librarians. Residents of Kalamazoo and patrons of the Kalamazoo Public Library have ample reason to celebrate. We have an excellent library staffed by well-informed and helpful library personnel. The Friends of KPL want to extend our appreciation and gratitude for all the opportunities and experiences this exceptional library offers.

In the bookstore this week we are continuing to spotlight poetry in honor of national Poetry Month. Also in the spotlight is a youth fiction special, this week you can buy two select youth fiction and get the third one free. Finally, we are offering an eclectic and interesting selection of videos for only 50 cents a piece. Topics include travel, history, plays, operas, science and more. You're sure to find something of interest.

Bookstore News April 1 - 4

CarolM — 2009-03-31T14:54:00Z

April is National Poetry Month. This week you can celebrate poetry and treat yourself to the pleasure that it brings with a bargain-priced book of poetry at the bookstore. Whether you like contemporary poetry or prefer the classic best-loved favorites, you are sure to find something you'll like.

There are lots of new selections for our "New Arrivals" bookcase this week as well as lot's of new hardcover mysteries. Why not start April off with a visit to the Friends Bookstore?

Bookstore News March 25 - 28

CarolM — 2009-03-24T14:54:00Z

This week in the store we are having a mini bag sale. For $2.00 you can fill up a bag with books from a select group of sale books. There is a nice, but limited, selection of books that are available. Most are non-fiction. These are books that we have multiple copies of. We are doing some spring cleaning and offering our customers a chance for some extra special bargains this week. This is truly a limited supply sale and the sale is over when this selection of books is gone.

Those of you that were in the store last week know that we had a three for the price of two sale on select books. That sale continues this week on select hard cover fiction ( this is a new selection of books) that are again priced at $1.00 each, but when you buy two you get a third one free.

Those of you who like large print will be happy to know that we received a large donation of (mostly fiction) large print. The new selections are shelved in the large print area, but there is also a cart of sale-priced large print which you will want to check out.

Remember that 'Library Champion' yard signs are available at the bookstore. These signs were designed to celebrate our wonderful library as National Library Week approaches. The Friends of KPL are happy to be able to join with our community to show our appreciation for our excellent library.

Bookstore News March 18 - 21

CarolM — 2009-03-17T14:54:00Z

People tell me that one of the reasons they like to shop at the Friends Bookstore is that our low prices allow them to experiment with different authors. It's not too much of a risk to buy a book for 50 cents or $1.00 and find you don't care for it; but if you love it, then it's a great find and a great deal. This week we are encouraging risk-taking by offering an extra special bargain on select trade and hardcover fiction. On select $1.00 fiction if you buy two you get the third one free.

Perhaps you read in the KPL Link that the Friends of KPL plan to celebrate our excellent library during National Library Week, with yard signs that state "I'm a Library Champion." These signs reiterate the library's mission: Kalamazoo Public Library champions reading, ignites imagination and ensures access to information and ideas. The signs are now available in the bookstore. If you are a library champion and would like a yard sign, please ask at the desk.

Bookstore Specials March 11 - 14

CarolM — 2009-03-10T14:54:00Z

This week you will find select trade fiction on sale for 1/2 our normal low price. These books are on sale for only $1.00 this week. Trade fiction, for those of you unfamiliar with the term, are the larger paperback editions that sell for about $14.00 in a new retail bookstore. That means that you could get 14 books at The Friends Bookstore for the price of one book at those other stores. That's quite a bargain.

Other items of interest include a collection of signed Patricia Polacco books. Patricia Polacco is the author and illustrator of over 30 children's books, and a Michigan author.These titles span the last two decades of Ms Polacco's work.

For those of you interested in local history we have several two-volume sets of Upjohn: A Study in Ancestry and Upjohn: Two Early Journals written by Richard Upjohn Light. These volumes trace 14 generations and 450 years of a family that came to play a very important role in Kalamazoo and Portage both culturally and economically.

Bookstore News March 4 - 7

CarolM — 2009-03-03T14:54:00Z

It's finally March. And even though people love to remind me that winter will probably stick around for quite a while; I know that spring is near. I have started looking for the first robin of spring. I brought out my gardening books to begin looking for new ideas for spring planting. Spring also still means spring cleaning to me too. Spring cleaning is such a productive activity, time to clean out the old to make room for the new. This can apply to all those books you collected over the winter that you don't need anymore. If you do spring cleaning - or even if you don't - please consider donating your gently used books to the Friends Bookstore this year. We will certainly appreciate it and your gently used books will be reused, reread by some else who will appreciate them. Of course, as you know proceeds go to help support the library. Click on the Donating Books & Media link for more information.

This week in the store we have a special sale on select Tween/Young Adult books at the bargain price of 25 cents each. We also continue to have an abundance of romance fiction both paperback and hardcover and a wonderful selection of all genres of fiction, both adult and children. Come and see us. I don't think you can get better prices on books in Kalamazoo.

Bookstore Specials February 25 - 28

CarolM — 2009-02-24T14:54:00Z

The bookstore recently received a large donation of religious materials on tape and video. Most are products of the Ligonier Ministries and feature Dr. R.C. Sproul and Dr. John Gerstner. Titles include "An Overview of the Bible", "History of Christian Theology", and "Faith the Evidence of Things Unseen" among many others. These cassette tapes and videos are available at super bargain prices.

If you are more interested in romance fiction this is a good week for you at the bookstore. Extra space was needed to accommodate all the additional romance fiction available. Prices range between 25 cents and $1.00 per book.

Lots of audio books on CD and tape as well as several of the Great Courses by The Teaching Company are still available.

Audio Books are Featured February 18 - 21

CarolM — 2009-02-17T14:54:00Z

Many book lovers (including me) fret that there just is not enough time to read all the books that are so appealing. You know the saying, "So many books, so little time." Even the most dedicated reader needs to do other things sometimes. Audio books can help to alleviate this dilemma. This week in the bookstore there are lots of audio books available, both on CD and on cassette tape. The prices are good enough that you can stock up. In addition to the audio books we also have a great selection of The Great Courses by The Teaching Company on CD. A couple of the course titles are The United States and The Middle East 1914 to 9/11 and Emperors of Rome. We have twelve different lectures to choose from. If you are not familiar with them, these are college-level courses taught by engaging professors from leading colleges and universities. Listening to books or learning from the lectures is a great way to boost your enjoyment while commuting, using the treadmill or working on hobbies.

A couple of other categories of books I'd like to bring to your attention include books about animals and pets (pet care and animal stories) and children's beginning readers - chapter books. Many books in both these categories are available. Please stop in, I think you'll enjoy browsing and the bargains.

Book Donations Are Appreciated

CarolM — 2009-02-10T14:54:00Z

People often ask if we accept donated books. My answer is "gladly and gratefully." Books donated by the members of our community fill the shelves at the Friends Bookstore. We are often amazed at the wonderful books that we receive.

Donating books is an easy way to have a positive effect on our community.The simple act of donating materials to the bookstore results in a couple of constructive outcomes. Gently used donated books are gently priced so everyone is able to afford to buy and own books. In addition to that, the proceeds from book sales go to help support the library and its programs. Its a win-win situation.

Please consider donating your gently used books (in good condition) to the Friends Bookstore. For specifics on what we do and do not accept click on the Donating Books and Media link. Our goal is to provide desirable books that are clean and in good condition in the store. Your gently used donations make this possible.

Big Winter Book Sale is this Saturday, Feb. 7

CarolM — 2009-02-03T14:54:00Z

This coming Saturday, February 7 is our big winter book sale. If you like bargains, you will not want to miss this sale! It begins at 9:00 and concludes at 3:30. Books are 10 cents each or $2.00 for a bagful. The sale will be held on the third floor of Central Library in the Van Deusen Room. You may buy a bag from us to fill or you are invited to bring your own bags and we will stamp your hand to indicate that you have paid.

You will find lots of fiction and nonfiction, both adult and children's books, in hard cover and paperback. Come and stock up on some great books to see you through the rest of the winter. Feel free to call the store if you have any questions.

Bookstore Specials January 28 - 31

CarolM — 2009-01-27T14:54:00Z

This year we decided to hold a book sale in February that will be similar to our summer sidewalk sales. All books will be 10 cents each or books may be purchased by the bagful for two dollars. The sale will be held on Saturday, February 7 from 9:00 to 3:30 on the third floor of Central Library in the Van Dueusen Room. If you decide to buy a bag of books, we will sell you a grocery bag to fill or please feel free to bring your own bag. If you bring your own bag we will stamp your hand in exchange for two dollars and you may fill up your bag. Mark your calendar, you won't want to miss this opportunity for great bargains.

In the store this week we also have lots of bargains; VHS videos remain 1/2 off as do select hard cover fiction and mystery. And as always you will find good selections and great deals in all categories of books.

Bookstore Specials January 14 - 17

CarolM — 2009-01-13T14:54:00Z

The weather forecast for the next week or so triggers a strong desire in me to stay in and stay warm, and of course to spend time reading. This week's bargains will make it easy and economical for you to stock up on reading material and help you enjoy your time inside. Select hard cover fiction is priced at two books for $1.00. This selection of sale priced books includes recent mysteries and fiction. Other specials which might interest you include military history books and a selection of Beatles books and music. We also still have select biographies at half price.

Bookstore Specials January 7 - 10

CarolM — 2009-01-06T14:54:00Z

There is a wealth of new material in the bookstore this week. Books and book sets abound. Apparently many members of our community used the holiday break to sort through their books and kindly decided to donate those they felt they could live without. Because of that generosity we can now offer you many more wonderful books at wonderful prices.

This week's specials include a large selection of military history books, the entire set of the Britannica Great Books, the Time-Life Library of Arts, and a 2005 and 2007 set of World Book Encyclopedias.

We have also received a donation of about 25 hymnals in excellent shape. We would gladly give these to a church or individual who could use them. Please contact Carol at Friends@kpl.gov or call the store (553.7820) for information.

Bookstore Hours Dec.31 - January 3

CarolM — 2008-12-30T14:54:00Z

Best wishes for the new year from all of us at the Friends Bookstore! The holiday season draws to a close and a brand new year begins filled with possibilities and promise! The bookstore will have shortened hours of operation again this week due to the holiday. The store will open as usual Wednesday at noon but will close early at 3:30 for New Year's Eve. We will be closed on Thursday and resume regular hours on Friday and Saturday. Christmas books and stocking stuffers remain 1/2 off this week.

Bookstore Hours Dec. 22 - 27

CarolM — 2008-12-23T14:54:00Z

This is a week for celebration. Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa are all observed this week. Season's greetings to all! The bookstore will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, but will be open normal hours on Friday and Saturday. Starting Friday all Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa books will be half off as will all "stocking stuffer" books. Stop down and see us.

Gift Ideas from the Bookstore Dec 17 - 20

CarolM — 2008-12-09T14:54:00Z

Every year in November and December I spend a fair amount of time looking for gift ideas. I look through newspaper ads, browse through magazines and even 'google' for gift ideas. There is a lot of pleasure derived from giving a gift you know will be enjoyed, and many of us share in the quest to find meaningful gifts. In the spirit of the season I decided to make a few suggestions for you to consider. As we like to say, Books are the gift that can be opened again and again.

An easy and thoughtful gift is a gift certificate. This, of course, allows the recipient to choose exactly what they want. And you're not just giving a book, you're giving the opportunity to spend time browsing through the bookstore! Gift certificates are available in any denomination. If you buy a gift certificate for $5.00 or more you will also receive a lovely handmade card while supplies last. Another idea is a nostalgic gift. How about a book that brings back memories, takes one back to earlier, simpler times, maybe The Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew Mysteries? If money is no object (?) or you want to splurge, I have a couple suggestions. For the admirer of President Ronald Reagan there is a signed copy of Where's the Rest Of Me by Ronald Reagan for $500.00. For the art lover, and fan of Edward Hopper we have the definitive, complete catalogue of Hopper's oils, watercolors and illustrations in a 4 volume boxed set. The volumes include essays, illustrations and a reference CD (for PC). These are both in our Collectibles Case, ask to look through the case you may find something else that interests you. Finally, we still have a very nice selection of Gift-quality books in both fiction and non-fiction, children's and adult books.

Bookstore Specials December 3 - 6

CarolM — 2008-12-02T14:54:00Z

The Holiday Gift Sale began last Friday and I watched as a lot of very pleased customers found 'just the right' book to give as a gift. Of course not every gift book has to be given as a gift to someone else! Last weekend was definitely an enjoyable time to work. It's always fun to be surrounded by happy, satisfied people. If you didn't make it to the sale last week, it is not too late. We still have a great selection of gift sale books available, everything from cookbooks to literature and children's books to history.

If you are interested in the Civil War, be sure and check out our Civil War selections. For the real Civil War enthusiast we have a 21 volume set which includes Campaigns of the Civil War (14 volumes), Studies of the Civil War (4 volumes), and The Navy in the Civil War (3 volumes). This is a beautiful blue leather bound set selling for $150.00. The set is in the Collectibles Case, ask at the front counter to look at it.

The Gift Book Sale begins this week!

CarolM — 2008-11-25T14:54:00Z

Thanksgiving week has arrived and with it the much anticipated annual Friends Gift Book Sale. As a lot of you know we hold back many of the wonderful, like-new donations that we receive throughout the year for this sale. On Friday (11/28) after Thanksgiving we open our doors at 10:00 and invite everyone to begin their holiday gift shopping at the Friends Bookstore. You will find the books at this sale rival the quality of books found in the finest new book stores. The only real difference you will notice is the price; our Sale books are priced far below 1/2 retail. I know you will be pleased at the selection, it is diverse and large. Most genres of books, both children and adult are available. If you are a book lover or are buying for a book lover this truly is a sale you do not want to miss.

If you are a member of the Friends of the Kalamazoo Public Library you have the happy opportunity to attend the Preview Sale on Tuesday (11/25) from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. This chance to shop the sale early is one of the ways we thank our members for their support.

We welcome everyone to visit us this week and to take advantage of the wonderful deals you will find at the Gift Book Sale. It begins Friday but will last throughout the holiday season. We look forward to seeing you here.

A reminder to our Wednesday shoppers: the store closes Wednesday, this week only, at 3:30.

In the Bookstore November 19 - 22

CarolM — 2008-11-19T14:54:00Z

This week in the bookstore you will continue to find many new arrivals, holiday books, movies and music, as well as lots of books in all the other great categories always available. There are more of the history, travel, geography and biography, put out last week, that may lack something in presentation but make up for it in substance.

If you have children to buy books for, please come down and browse our children's section. We have a wonderful large selection of children's books. The area is newly expanded and if you bring your little ones with you they can choose the books they want to bring home while sitting at our beautiful new children's table.

Bookstore Specials November 12 - 15

CarolM — 2008-11-11T14:54:00Z

Perhaps the snow flurries and cold weather are making you think of the holidays and gift-giving. As I mentioned last week, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza books are now available in the store. And if you are starting to think of buying gifts you will want to mark the date of our annual Gift Book Sale on your calendar. Friday, November 28 is the first day of the sale which has become a highly anticipated annual event. Like-new, gift-quality books are for sale at less than half retail value. Don't forget that in addition to giving the gift of books you can also give a Gift Certificate, just ask at the counter.

This week we have a variety of book sets for sale at half price. Among the sale sets are the Encyclopedia Britannica's The Annals of America and several Time-Life sets, including The Seafarers, The Old West, and Time Frame.

This week you can also get a super bargain on a special selection of older Biography, History, Geography and Travel. What these books may lack in snazzy appearance they make up for in substance and price. Take one of these books home for only 50 cents.

We look forward to seeing you.

Post Election Bookstore Bargains November 5 - 8

CarolM — 2008-11-04T14:54:00Z

The election is on my mind as I write this, but presumably it will soon be over and Americans will have a newly elected president. Some of us will be happy and some of us won't. Each of the candidates has promised change and has expressed the desire to move our country in a new direction. Most Americans seem to be hoping and expecting that change is on the way.

Change can undoubtedly be a good thing. On the other hand it's nice to be able to depend on certain things. You may be able to guess where I'm going with this, after all this is a bookstore blog. You can depend on finding a great variety of gently used and priced books and special features each week at the Friends Bookstore.

Featured this week are Thanksgiving books and Christmas books, music, and movies. We also have selected sets of books at 1/2 price. We even have a 22 volume set, the Dictionary of American Biographies (pub. 1937) that you can make an offer on. We are also continuing to put out extra fiction and mystery for you to choose from.

Take a break from politics and enjoy some time browsing through the bookstore this week.

Bookstore Specials October 29 - November 1

CarolM — 2008-10-28T14:54:00Z

Temperatures are dropping and many of us turn our attention to indoor activities. I find the cooler weather encourages thoughts of steamy cups of hot chocolate, a cozy quilt and a wonderful new mystery. If that sounds good to you, the Friends Bookstore can help. This week we are making it especially easy to find just the right book to enjoy. We are continuing to offer Book Bundles (four trade fiction books bundled together) for just $2.00! And even though we always have lots of fiction and mystery, both brand new and vintage, hard cover and paperback, this week we are adding even more. We have put out an extra cart filled with great mysteries and fiction to expand your choices.

Two other items you will want to remember include our video sale and our featured Halloween books. This is the last week to get VHS videos at half price. We have a wonderful choice of titles most at a dollar or less. And although Halloween is Friday, you still have time to pick up a spooky tale or two to share with your little trick-or-treaters, and maybe even one for you!

National Friends of the Library Week - Oct. 19 - 25

LindaK — 2008-10-21T14:54:00Z

There is a lot of excitement in the Friends Bookstore as we celebrate National Friends of the Library week. Just for starters, 2 lucky patrons per day may win a free "Friend ly" book. Just put your name into our drawing for titles such as You and Me, Poems of Friendship by Sally Mavor, The Firefighter's Best Friend - Lives & Legends of Chicago Firehouse Dogs by T. & D. Orsinger, Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy & many more. Enter as many times as you like. No purchase is necessary for entry and you need not be present to win.

However, you may wish to make a purchase when you see the prices on our budget "Friend ly" specials for the week. Bundles of Books will give you a whole pile of quality paperback fiction for the price of 1 book - only $2.00!

Our viewer "Friend ly" sale is on VHS tapes. The selection is large. All will be 1/2 price. That means most will sell for $1.00 and a few for just 50 cents.

Saturday (10/25) will be children's day. Children may come to the store between the hours of 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and make a free Friendship pin. Children's picture books will be 1/2 price all day. Parents - you may wish to do some shopping while your child is making their craft. Any adult accompanied by a child will get 20% off their purchase of adult books (sale items excluded).

Membership Special

Our special offers are not limited to the bookstore. Join us in membership this week and recieve 20% off the regular membership fee (see Join the Friends). You will also get a coupon good for 20% off a bookstore puchase. Sign up a friend along with yourself and you will both get a 30% off coupon. The person who signs up the most new members will recieve a free book of their choice (collectibles excluded) plus 30% off a bookstore purchase.

We hope you will take advantage of this special, in particular. Membership dollars help us support that vital community resource - your library. And also, we can never have too many Friends!

Poetry, Military History, Religion, and Hobbies and Crafts

CarolM — 2008-10-14T14:54:00Z

What do poetry, military history, religion and hobbies and crafts have in common? The answer is that these topics are all featured in the Friends Bookstore this week. There is a large and varied selection of books in each of these categories.

There are also a lot of foreign language books in the store right now. Our German, French, and Spanish shelves are full. You can choose from novels, dictionaries, or various other books in these languages and others.

As always we are open Wednesday from noon to 7:00 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Bookstore Specials(2)

CarolM — 2008-10-07T14:54:00Z

Aristotle said, "We make war so we may live in peace," certainly a thought-provoking idea. But for whatever reason, humans have waged wars with each other for as far back as we can trace.This week in the bookstore you will find a large selection of military history books. If you are interested in reading about battles, wars, and military heroes, you will definitely want to check these books out.

While you're at the bookstore be sure and pick up your Halloween books. A spooky, scary story or two will help get you in the mood for carving pumpkins and haunted houses. Halloween will be here before you know it!

Featured in the Bookstore

CarolM — 2008-09-23T14:54:00Z

This week in the bookstore we are spotlighting several categories of books. National Banned Books Week is observed September 28 - October 4, so we have assembled a collection of books that have been challenged or banned somewhere in the United States over the years. Some of these titles will surprise you. Stop in and look them over. Other categories of books that are featured this week include Art, Michigan-themed books, Religion, and Hobbies and How To.

Michigan-Themed Books Featured In The Bookstore

CarolM — 2008-09-16T14:54:00Z

As autumn approaches our thoughts turn to the natural beauty that will soon surround us. Each fall Michigan provides her residents and visitors with a stunning display of blazing colors as leaves turn to bright reds and yellows. This week in the Friends Bookstore we are celebrating Michigan by spotlighting Michigan-themed books. You can choose from a selection of books about Michigan’s history, architecture, environment, people, and more. You will also find books written by some of the many talented Michigan authors.

Two additional categories of books are being featured this week. Browse through a large selection of Hobbies and How To and peruse the Literature, Classics, Poetry and Drama for that book you’ve always meant to read.

Sidewalk Sale Takes Place Rain or Shine!

CarolM — 2008-09-12T14:54:00Z

The Friends Sidewalk Sale will be held Saturday, September 13, rain or shine. Unfortunately at this time it looks like it will be raining. Hence, we switch to Plan B. The sale will take place in the Van Deusen Room on the third floor of Central Library. Don't let the rain keep you from the incredible bargains available between 9:00 and 3:30 at the Friends Book Sale upstairs in the library. See the previous post for more information.

Sidewalk Sale Saturday, September 13

CarolM — 2008-09-08T14:54:00Z

Super book bargains are available this Saturday at the Friends Sidewalk Sale. The sale takes place on the sidewalk outside Central Library between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Books are priced at 10¢ a book or $2.00 per bag.

As always you will find a big selection of paperback and hardcover fiction, including mystery, romance, and general fiction. You will also find a larger than usual selection of assorted non-fiction including biographies, memoirs, history, nature and science, and more. Lots of children's books will also be available.

If you come thinking you'll buy just a couple books at 10¢ each, but realize this is a bargain too good to pass up, buy a grocery bag from us for $2.00 and squeeze in as many books as you can. Or bring your own bag, just let us know and we will stamp your hand in exchange for $2.00.

Stock up with some good books for those chilly months ahead. Remember the proceeds from our sales help support the library.

Back to School

CarolM — 2008-09-02T14:54:00Z

Kindergarten to college students benefit from a quality set of encyclopedias in the home. Encyclopedias are a wonderful fundamental research source. Sets are available at the Friends Bookstore ranging in price from $40.00 (Compton's, 2000) to $125.00 (World Book, 2005). What a bargain for a treasure trove of information at your fingertips!

In addition to encyclopedias, you will find many other valuable resources to assist in study and research efforts. Reference materials including dictionaries, thesauruses, atlases, and almanacs are also available.

A large selection of literature, classics, poetry, and drama is offered at prices starting at 50¢. Why pay $10.00 or more for books on class booklists when you can get them at these prices?

An opportunity for even more savings is coming up very soon. The autumn Sidewalk Sale is Saturday, September 13, from 9:00 to 3:30. Mark your calendar. It's a day for super savings! Sidewalk sale books are 10 cents a book or $2.00 for a grocery bag-full.

Bookstore Specials

CarolM — 2008-08-27T14:54:00Z

If you are interested in motorcycles, cars or planes, you will want to take a look at the new selection of books we have about these vehicles. You will find books about Harley-Davidsons, Triumphs, and military planes as well as many others.

If you are more interested in music than motorcycles, you are also in luck. Books about music, musicians, and music scores are "in the spotlight" this week.

Finally if you are looking for a fantastic bargain and you enjoy reading memoirs, history, or books about science and nature, you may be happy to know that we have a large selection of older non-fiction that are specially priced at 4 for $1.00. It's hard to beat that price!

The New Carpet Is Installed And We Are Open.

CarolM — 2008-08-22T14:54:00Z

We missed all our regular Wednesday and Thursday customers this week. The store was closed while we had new carpet installed. We are open now and have resumed our regular hours. Stop in and check out the new carpet and stock up on some wonderful end-of-summer reading materials.

Bookstore Closed until Friday for Recarpeting

CarolM — 2008-08-19T14:54:00Z

Please note: the Friends Bookstore will be closed Wednesday (8/20) and Thursday (8/21) for recarpeting. We'll reopen Friday morning (8/22) at 10 am with a fresh new look and plenty of great bargains! See you then!

Featured This Week in the Bookstore

CarolM — 2008-08-12T14:54:00Z

Lots of recently released, exciting fiction and nonfiction books on our New Arrivals bookshelf, plus Great Courses lectures on CD’s from the Teaching Company. The lectures include –

The Italian Renaissance (18 CD’s for $35.00)
Great Battles of the Ancient World (12 CD’s for $24.00)
War, Peace, and Power: Diplomatic History of Europe, 1500-2000 (18 CD’s for $35.00)

A diverse selection of unusual older nonfiction priced at only 50¢ a book. Categories include history, science and nature, memoirs and more. Lots of interesting things to choose from.

Ancient Civilizations, History and Archeology

CarolM — 2008-08-04T14:54:00Z

If you are interested in ancient civilizations, history and archeology, you won’t want to miss a chance to check out the ancient history books that were recently donated to the bookstore. In our history section you will find books on ancient Rome and Greece, Babylon, the Hittites, Stonehenge, prehistoric archeology, lost cities and much more. Don’t wait if these topics interest you.

New arrivals for the week of July 28

CarolM — 2008-07-28T14:54:00Z

Mystery readers you will be happy to know that we have tons of wonderful paperback and hardcover mysteries available. Authors include Agatha Christy, Kathy Reich, James Patterson, M.C. Beaton, Jonathon Kellerman, J.D. Robb, Stuart Woods, and way too many to mention. You will probably find your favorite author here or for about $1.00 you can try something new.