Friends of Library Book Sale [VIDEO]

For a short time March 16 the library auditorium was sort of like the starting gate at the Kentucky Derby. At precisely 6 p.m. Judy Blachek gave her fellow Friends of the Nashua Public Library the green light and off they ran, scrambling toward rows of donated books, CDs, DVDs and vinyl records up for grabs.

It was the prelude to this weekend's annual Friends of the Nashua Library book sale, which Blachek said normally brings in about $6,000 over the three day sale. Annually, Friends of the Library fundrasing boosts the library's budget by a total of about $15,000.

Hovering over the mystery section was Dekiam Ong, who said he never misses the annual sale, his chance to stock up on some good, cheap mystery and spy books.

"Here's a good one. It's brand new, 'Zero Day' by David Baldacci. Five dollars. Normally $27.99," said Ong, dropping the hefty book into his tote bag.

He represents those who come  simply seeking some good, cheap reads.

[BONUS: You can print out the coupon we've uploaded here, to present for your free book with the purchase of any book.]

For others, like Jeff Osgood of Toadstool Bookshop in Peterborough, it's serious book-shopping business. He swiftly sifts through the racks looking for obvious bargains he can resell in his shop.

Blachek, who serves as president of the Friends of the Library, said all the books sold are items donated to the library over the course of the year that don't make it into the permanent collection. Proceeds are pure profit.

"The money raised allows the library to do programming and concerts it couldn't otherwise afford to do," said Blachek, who helped revive the Friends of the Library six years ago.

John Reuter is one of the first to hit the sale racks. He's moving fast, one of several shoppers scanning ISBN numbers using a smart phone app and scanner attachment that lets them know instantly when a book is truly a bargain.

"I have an online bookstore," says Reuter, without looking up from his phone's display screen. This book sale is competitive, and he's determined to swoop in on the best book bargains. "Gotta keep moving."

The book sale continues all weekend at the Nashua Public Library.