Friends of the Library Book Sale is a well-known nonprofit organization in Ithaca, New York, dedicated to promoting literacy and supporting public library services through its large-scale, community-driven book sales. Operating in the retail and bookstore space, it hosts one of the largest used book sales in the Northeast, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The sale features hundreds of thousands of gently used books, along with DVDs, CDs, games, and puzzles, all offered at affordable prices. Items are donated by residents and local institutions, and proceeds directly benefit the Tompkins County Public Library and other literacy initiatives.

What sets Friends of the Library apart is its deep community involvement and sustainable approach—encouraging recycling of books and supporting lifelong learning. The organization is powered largely by volunteers and has earned a loyal following for its well-organized, accessible events that promote a love of reading across all age groups. Special sale dates and discount days are designed to make books accessible to everyone. Friends of the Library also maintains a small year-round retail space for book lovers to browse curated titles between sales.

Website: http://www.booksale.org/

Key Services:

– Large-scale seasonal used book sales
– Year-round public book room for retail shopping
– Affordable pricing on books, media, and educational materials
– Proceeds benefit local public library and literacy programs
– Volunteer-run and community-supported operations
– Book and media donation acceptance for resale and reuse
– Online information for sale dates and categories
– Eco-friendly initiative promoting book recycling and reuse