Big Book Sale Benefits Harford County Public Library, Aberdeen Branch

Debbie Haire, of Havre de Grace, and her children, Sophie and Joseph, come to the Aberdeen Friends of the Library Big Book Sale every year.

“There are always some children’s books that are going out of print that we’re looking for,” Debbie Haire said Monday, as they rummaged through aisles of hardbacks, paperbacks and videos.

“I think of it as a little treasure hunt,” Sophie Haire, 15, chimed in.

“I get to find books that would normally be a lot more expensive and I like to read,” added Joseph Haire, 12.

People come from all over the area to get great deals on books. Proceeds help the library fund events such as the Treasures of the World interactive story-telling program in June; Rock Music for Education in July, a program that combines music and education; and A Whirl Around the World, which will feature story-teller ventriloquist and songstress Sandi Sylver and her family of puppets in August.

“Our sales are really very popular,” said Jackie Cassidy, volunteer supervisor for the Harford County Public Library, Aberdeen Branch. “Whatever isn’t sold, after [Monday], will come into the lobby and will stay on sale through the end of the week.”

• Bags full of books are $5
• Hardback books: $1
• Trade paperbacks: $.50
• Small paperbacks: $.25 or 5 for $1
• Children’s books: $.25 or 5 for $1
• Audio books: $2
• Music CDs: $1
• Premium DVDs: $5
• Other DVDs: $2

Cassidy said the sale helps the library clear its shelves of books it can no longer keep in its collection based on condition, popularity and other factors. But it also helps put more books into area home libraries.

Joy and Steve Zardas, of Churchville, are two of the volunteers who help make the sale possible every year. 

“I think it’s important to support the library,” Steve Zardas said. “They can do a lot with the money.”

His wife agreed. 

“We’re eagerly awaiting the time when we get a library in Churchville. Until then, we love the Aberdeen library,” Joy Zardas said. “Of all the things I volunteer for, I love this the most and it’s the most worthwhile.”