Book Sale

The Friends of the Bloomington Library host two annual book sales -- the first is in May; the second in November -- to raise funds for library programs. At a typical sale, 65,000-75,000 books are sorted into more than 40 categories and made available for purchase. All book sales are held at the Crossroads Center (310 Wylie Drive, Normal). Sales begin on Thursdays with a preview night for Friends of the Library members. The sale opens to the public on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

New Location

While the Friends sales remain at Crossroads Center, beginning in November 2011 the sale moves across the parking lot from the Friends' previous location. The new space is six times larger than the former space and allows for a more relaxed shopping experience.

Donating Books

Monthly book drives take place in the Library's lower level parking lot.

Upcoming Book Drives will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on the following Saturdays: February 11, March 10, & April 14.

May Book Sale Hours

Private Sale:

  • Thursday, May 3: Preview night for Friends Members only,
    5 to 8 p.m.
    Memberships will be for sale at the door.

Public Sale:

  • Friday, May 4: Public Sale, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 5: Public Sale, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, May 6: Bag Sale Day (fill a bag for $5), Noon to 4 p.m.

Memberships

One-year Friends memberships are available for purchase at the sale. This includes the first night of the sale which is for Friends members only. Memberships are also available for purchase at the Library when there's not a sale in progress

  • Single $10
  • Family $25
  • Business Sponsor $50

Lifetime memberships are $250.

To join the Friends please fill out this form

Sorting Hours

The Friends of Bloomington Public Library welcome volunteer sorters to come out to their store location at Crossroads Center (310 Wylie Drive, Normal) and help with the sorting of books for their twice yearly Used Book Sales.

Open sorting hours are as follows each month:

The second Thursday of each month from 2-4pm. During this timeslot, Friends Board member Ann Fritz is in charge.
664-7575

The third Wednesday of each month from 5-7pm During this timeslot, Friends volunteer Greg Meyer is in charge.
287-4754

The fourth Thursday of each month from 10am-12pm. During this timeslot, volunteer Dorothy Martindale is in charge.
827-4905

For general information about volunteering, please contact bplfriends.info@gmail.com or call Bryan Fulton at 824-5616.

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