Semi Annual Book Sales

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The Friends of the Temple Public Library Used Book Sale is held semi-annually - in February and prior to Labor Day.  More than 45,000 books are presorted into over 90 categories and displayed in a roomy, comfortable setting on the Library’s 3rd floor. Most books are $1.00-$2.00 and children’s books and media are less. Cash, check or charge is 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. 

Volunteers to work the sale are always needed and welcome. To volunteer, e-mail the friends at: friendsoftemplelibrary@gmail.com 

Members of the Friends are invited to a preview night prior to the sale opening. 

To become a member of the Friends, complete the membership form, print, and mail with your check to: Friends of the Temple Public Library 100 W. Adams Temple, TX 76501 

Celebrating 50 Years of Service! Join the FTPL as we celebrate 50 years of service, provide committee updates, introduce new board members, and announce the Best Friend Award.  Refreshments served.    

50,000 books and media presorted into over 90 categories are offered in a roomy, comfortable setting at the downtown Temple Texas Public Library. Most books are $1-$2 with children's books and media even cheaper. Books, books on tape and CD, records, cassettes, CDs, VHS, DVDs, magazines, and various games/puzzles/activity books are all for sale.    

Frequently asked questions: 

Where Do The Books Come From? Books are donated, mostly from individuals. 

How/When Can I Donate Books? Donations are accepted year-round at the circulation desk at the Temple Public Library. 

How Many Books Will Be In the Sale? Between 40,000 - 50,000 books and media such as audio books, CDs, DVDs, etc. 

What Happens To Leftover Books? Some books are saved for the next sale and many are donated to worthy causes and charities. The remainder is recycled. 

How Many Volunteers Participate in the Sale? Over 80 individual volunteers work more 160 volunteer man-hours during the four-day sale and member night preview. In addition, about 100 volunteer hours are spent in set-up and tear-down of the sale. A fifteen-person team works year round to sort books into categories, logging well over 300 hours per team member each year.  

How Many Customers Come to the Book Sale? Average participation per sale is 1,200 – 1,400 persons.