The Friends of The Temple Public Library used book sale is held semi-annually in February and the week prior to Labor Day. More than 45,000 books are presorted into over 90 categories and displayed on the library’s third floor. Most adult books are $1.00-$2.00 each and children’s books and media are less. Cash, check or credit cards are accepted for payment.
Book donations make the sales possible and account for 95% of the sale inventory. Donations are accepted year-round and can be taken to the circulation desk at the library.
The Friends of the Temple Public Library is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that has been giving back to Temple and surrounding communities for 59 years.
Members' Preview Day
Monday, February 24
10 am - 7 pm
Open to the Public
Wednesday, February 26 - Friday, February 28
10 am - 7 pm
Saturday, March 1 ($5 Bag Day)
10 am - 4 pm
Members' Preview Day
Monday, August 25
10 am - 7 pm
Open to the Public
Wednesday, August 27 - Friday, August 29
10 am - 7 pm
Saturday, August 30 ($5 Bag Day)
10 am - 4 pm
$2.00 Hardcover
$1.00 Softcover
$1.00 Hardcover
$0.50 Softcover
$1.00 each
$0.25 each or
5 for $1.00
$3.00 each or
4 for $10.00
$1.00 Small
$2.00 Large
$0.10 each
Daily discount, except Saturday Bag Day
$5.00 per brown bag*
*Bag provided at sale
Donations are accepted year-round and can be taken to the circulation desk at the Temple Public Library.
Large quantity or bulk donations can be taken to the circulation desk at the Temple Public Library. Ask library staff for a dolly or cart to unload boxes of books.
Book sets and volumes can be donated and are sold together as a set. Some sets or volumes are offered as free during the sale.
Members of the Friends are invited to a members' only preview day to make purchases before the sale opens to the general public. Members also receive bi-annual newsletters and information about volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Memberships help the Friends continue to provide funds to the library programs.
The annual membership year begins on August 1 each year and ends on July 31. You will receive a reminder through email and the newsletter to renew your membership.
We are working on adding online payment features. You can pay or renew your membership by cash or check at the Temple Public Library circulation desk or mailing in your payment with your membership form. Credit card payments are accepted during the sale for memberships but must be paid separately from book sales.
Memberships are available at the door during the preview sale and also throughout the sale.
Donations are accepted year-round and can be made in honor of an individual or event. Information can be completed on the membership form or donations can be made at Friends Donations - Friends of the Temple Public Library
Members will receive an email with a sign-up link to volunteer at the book sale a few weeks prior to the sale. Volunteer information is also included in the bi-annual newsletters. Members can also volunteer to help sort books in preparation of the sales all throughout the year.
Members receive volunteer information through email and newsletters. If you are not a member, you can email FriendsofTempleLibrary@gmail.com to find out additional information about how to volunteer.
Book sorters are needed throughout the year to prepare for bi-annual book sales. During the book sales, volunteers are needed to help in the bagging and check-out areas, carry-out bags and boxes of books, and floor support to organize and replenish book areas. Volunteers are also needed to help with the set-up day and after the last day of the sale to box up books.
Board members must be members of the Friends and are recruited through current board members and volunteer events. If interested in serving on a committee or becoming more involved in the Friends of the Temple Public Library, email FriendsofTempleLibrary@gmail.com or contact a board member.
Many books are kept for the following book sale. Some books may be donated to other organizations, programs, schools, or literacy programs. If you are interested in sharing information about a program, organization or a need in the community to donate some of the left-over books, please email FriendsofTempleLibrary@gmail.com. Delivery and holding books are not possible, and the organization or program must be willing to pick up the books immediately after the sale ends.
Booksellers are able to bring carts and scanning devices on the designated bookseller day which is the Tuesday of the sale week. Visit www.booksalefinder.com for more information.