Annual Pequot Library Summer Book Sale Set For July 26-30

Information from the Pequot Library in Southport:

FAIRFIELD, CT — Pequot Library celebrates its 63rd annual Summer Book Sale (July 26 to 30), which features a near record-breaking number of items thanks to the generosity of the community. In addition to the usual variety of fiction, history, biography, reference materials, CD’s, DVD’s, and LP’s and more than 30 other categories, this sale features a huge selection of children’s books—more than 20,000 books for kids of all ages—with a total of nearly 100,000 items in all. Thanks to donations of two large collections, the sale is also well stocked with books and pamphlets related to architecture and urban planning, with dozens found among the library’s “specials.”

The fundraiser is consistently one of the largest book sales in New England. First Selectman of Fairfield, Bill Gerber, will be on hand on the first day of the sale at 9:00 a.m.; he’ll fire the ceremonial cannon. Potential buyers may view a catalog of more than 350 special items on the library’s website (https://pequot-library-booksale.square.site/) starting on July 10 at 12:00 p.m.
Interested parties can purchase those books at the library’s online store starting on July 20 at
12:00 p.m.: https://pequot-library-booksale.square.site. Unsold items will also be available at the
actual sale. Email booksale@pequotlibrary.org for more information.

Some of the highlights in this year’s catalogue will include:

• Two signed first editions by Edward Gorey: Dancing Cats and Neglected Murderesses (1980) from a limited edition of 300 copies, and Amphigorey Also (1993)
• “Favorite Flies and Their Histories” (1892) by Mary Orvis Marbury (the daughter of the founder of the outdoor gear store Orvis), which includes 32 color plates of fishing flies.
• Deep-water harbor at Port Los Angeles or at San Pedro, CAL. (1897). The hearings of US Congress deciding upon where to build a new Los Angeles Port, with 33 fold-out maps.
• A six-volume, complete set of History of the United States (1852-56) by Richard Hildreth
• Universal Etymological English Dictionary (1726) by N. Bailey, which was acclaimed as the most popular dictionary of the 18 th century.
• City of Chicago Report on Transportation Subways (1909). A massive three-volume set with fold-out maps outlining plans for a new subway system for the Windy City.
• More than 20 original hand-colored maps from the 19th /early 20th centuries.
• Palais et Chateaux, Hotels et Maisons de France (1867). A four-volume set of homes and palaces with leather binding and more than 250 plates.
• Three vintage posters dating to the early 20th century (for aperitif, cognac, and a chess tournament)

ABOUT THE SUMMER BOOK SALE:
This year’s sale will take place over five days in tents on the Great Lawn and parking lot and in the auditorium and Reading Room. Admission is free. All proceeds support Pequot Library’s annual programs and library services for adults and children, serving more than 45,000 patrons a year. As a nonprofit association library, Pequot Library relies on individual donations, grants, business support, and special event fundraisers like the annual book sales. The library is grateful for continued support from the Town of Fairfield, which funds about 20% of the organization’s annual expenses.

In addition to providing affordable reading to local readers (the vast majority of books are $4 or less), the sale continues its twenty-plus year tradition of supporting area public school teachers by providing free books for their classrooms. Thanks to the Renée B. Fisher Foundation, Pequot Library offers $100 vouchers to more than 300 public school teachers from New Haven, Bridgeport, Ansonia, Derby, Norwalk, and Stratford. Teachers must apply in advance, and they can use these vouchers for books of their choice to fill their classroom shelves.

Once again Trinity Episcopal Church will host its “Park for Food” drive from Friday, July 26 (9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.) and on Saturday and Sunday (9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.). The food drive will take place in their parking lot on the corner of Pequot Avenue and Center Street (a half-block away from the library). Volunteers will direct patrons to available parking in exchange for canned food or monetary donations.

Several local authors will be on hand to discuss and sign copies of their works on Sunday (July 28–check Pequot Library’s website for details). In addition, the sale will feature live music and food trucks on both Saturday and Sunday.

ABOUT PEQUOT LIBRARY:
Founded in 1889, Pequot Library’s mission is to enrich lives by serving the cultural, educational, and intellectual needs of the entire community. Its annual programs for adults and children serve more than 45,000 participants a year. As a public association library 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the library relies on the generosity of individual donors and foundations, special event fundraisers, grants, corporate and community partners, and Friends of Pequot Library memberships. Follow Pequot Library on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.