By Ruth Melville

The Norfolk Library’s annual book sale will be held the weekend of Aug. 26 and 27, under a large tent set up next to the library. The sale will have slightly longer hours this year, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. With 16,000 books in 30 categories—including art, gardening, history, music, film, children’s books, cookbooks, biography, film and classic and current fiction—there should be something for every reader’s taste. There is also a separate selection of rare books, priced to sell.

All books are free on Sunday from 2 p.m. until it gets dark, and boxes are provided.

Now in its 47th year (the sale was canceled for the first time in 2020 because of Covid), the book sale is organized by the Library Associates. Over the summer, volunteers spend many hours in the library basement, sorting and cataloging the piles and piles of donated books.

On the Friday before the sale, Aug. 25, 5-7 p.m., the associates are also sponsoring a cocktail party under the tent, with music by Albert Rivera and his jazz quartet. With the theme “A Summer Soirée,” the event will feature a variety of hors d’oeuvres and a signature cocktail. Wine and beer will also be served.

Tickets are $35, payable in advance or at the door.

Money raised by the Library Associates goes to support the many free special events, films, concerts, lectures, book discussions, literary series and children’s programs at the Norfolk Library.

Photo by Bruce Frisch