It's time to make room in the bookcases by getting rid of unwanted titles to prepare for the Williamsport Sun-Gazette's second annual book sale to benefit Newspapers in Education, which uses newspapers as a teaching tool to improve children's literacy.
Books have been steadily arriving at the Sun-Gazette, 252 W. Fourth St., since mid-May, Publisher Bernard A. Oravec said.
"We need many more in order for the sale to be as large as last year," he said.
Donations are open to more than just books: CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, video games and records also will be available during the sale July 28. Early birds can get the first look at 7 a.m. with a $5 admission. The sale officially begins at 8 a.m. with no charge.
Most items will cost between 50 cents and $3, Oravec said.
While donations still are needed, he predicts that the first floor will be full of items to purchase during the sale.
"Whether you're a serious book lover or a casual reader, I'm fairly certain there will be something here for you," Oravec said.
Sections will include a large children's book selection and a small corner of collector-grade books, but everything else will be mixed together, including near-mint condition recent titles.
"Be prepared to search," Oravec said.
The collector item books will be priced slightly higher.
Last year, nearly 4,000 items were sold to benefit the literacy program, he said. That was helped by people continually donating items, with some people filling their trunks with bags of mixed media.
Donations will be accepted until July 25.
They may be brought into the front lobby between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
"We'll also help unload the car if they're parked nearby," he said.
Encyclopedias and badly damaged items will not be accepted.
"If you're not sure about an item, bring it in," Oravec said.
For more information, call Connie Tobias at 326-1551 ext. 1127.
