Pequot Library Book Sale Underway, Among Largest In New England

SOUTHPORT, CT — The 59th annual Pequot Library summer book sale started Friday morning with a bang — literally.

A cannon was fired to officially kick off the event, which is known as one of the largest book sales in New England.

"It's a year-round operation," said library Marketing and Communication Manager Victoria Konopka, who noted that donations for the sale come in all year long, and are sorted and priced by 20 to 30 volunteers every week.

More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the five-day event, held at the auditorium and grounds of the library, where about 100,000 books will be available for purchase. More than 100 people volunteer to help the library reach its $100,000 fundraising goal for the sale.

Jane Dean, a former president of the library's Board of Trustees, grew up going to the library and has been volunteering with the book sale at least 25 years. She said the event has drawn book dealers and book lovers from across the country, and recalled how a local Boy Scout troop used to sleep on the library grounds before the sale in order to protect the books.

"I just love this library and what it gives to the whole area," Dean said.

The library gets about 25 percent of its operating funds from the town of Fairfield, Konopka said, but the other 75 percent comes from donations and grants. The book sale is the library's largest fundraiser.

Rare and collectible books, including signed copies and first editions, were available for presale online before the event. Remaining items can be bought at the sale.

As part of the event, the library offers a program called Books for Teachers, according to Public Programs Manager Karen Fortunati. Through the program, 375 public school teachers from Bridgeport and New Haven received a $125 voucher to spend at the sale.

Kristina Comeau-Russell, who teaches at Waltersville School in Bridgeport and has participated in the program in past years, was at the sale Friday.

"I like that I can get a wide variety of books," she said.

The sale continues through Tuesday. Most books are priced between $1 and $3, with some paperbacks going for 50 cents, according to Konopka. On Friday, all items are double the marked price. Saturday and Sunday, items are priced as marked. Everything is half-price Monday, and on Tuesday shoppers can bring a bag and load it with books for $5 total. Event hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Monday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday. The library is located at 720 Pequot Ave.