Pequot Library Summer Book Sale Returns Friday

From Pequot Library:

SOUTHPORT, CT — Pequot Library in Southport is pleased to announce its 61st Summer Book Sale, which will be held on Friday, July 23, to Tuesday, July 27. As part of its fundraising efforts, Pequot Library accepts used book donations in the tens of thousands and hosts multiple used book sales annually. The Summer Book Sale attracts around 8,000 people from near and far, is the library’s largest special event, and raises a significant percentage of the library’s operating budget.

Pequot Library is a nonprofit association library and receives 20 percent of its annual funding from the town of Fairfield and is reliant upon used book sales, grant revenue, and the generosity of individual donors and business sponsors to support the remaining 80 percent of its operating budget. In 2020, the library was not able to host the large-scale fundraising events that are critical to their revenue, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Pequot Library is synonymous with the Summer Book Sale and we are all thrilled to be able to safely host this much anticipated community tradition,” said Executive Director, Stephanie J. Coakley.

This year’s sale features an online catalog of specials consisting of over 500 donated items hand selected for their elevated value, and include signed first editions, collectables, and more. Also of note is a dedicated section of maritime books, thanks to the generous donations of two collectors. The sale boasts over 60 different categories of books and media — from children’s literature and young adult fiction, to cookbooks, history books, and biographies. The Summer Book Sale also includes hundreds of CDs, DVDs and LPs.

Scheduling and pricing varies from day to day, and complete details can be found at www.pequotlibrary.org. Admission is free and open to the public. Masks are required for visitors not fully vaccinated. All proceeds directly support Pequot Library’s annual educational programs, events, and library services.

The 61st Summer Book Sale is grateful to its business sponsors: Butler Tibbetts, The Russell Agency, Russo & Rizio, Hatfield Insurance Agency Inc., Forger-Kunkel Plumbing and Heating LLC, Bigelow Tea, Servicemaster, and Abbey Tent.

In conjunction with the Summer Book Sale, Pequot Library has been awarded a grant of $39,500 by the Renée B. Fisher Foundation in support of Books for Teachers, a program that provides $100 vouchers for books to educators in Bridgeport and New Haven public schools ahead of Pequot Library’s annual Summer Book Sale so that they can purchase book sale materials for classroom use. The generous grant enabled Pequot Library to award vouchers to almost 400 teachers from 92 schools, and includes $4,500 in administrative costs that will allow the library to prioritize teachers amidst book sale logistics.

Pequot Library is a historic special collections library with comprehensive programming located in the heart of Southport. Opened in 1889 by founders Virginia Marquand Monroe and Elbert Monroe, the library’s mission has always been to provide resources and educational opportunities that are “free as air to all” to children and adults. Please visit www.pequotlibrary.org to learn more about the book sale, the library, and its services. For information: 203-259-0346 ext. 115. Follow Pequot Library on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.