IF YOU LOVE BOOKS and live in the Faribault area, you have four more days to shop for used books during the local American Association of University Women’s annual sale at the Faribo West Mall.
After a break due to COVID, the sale is back. Just a note, though, that Rice County is currently experiencing a medium level of community transmission of the virus. That’s a change from the high transmission level we’ve been in for a few weeks.
But back to those books. As someone who loves to read and who appreciates books sold at a bargain price, this sale is a must shop. Mostly, I read books I get through the library. There’s always a stack in my house. Books I own also line shelves in my living room. There’s something about owning a book. I had so few when I was a child and longed for a library in my hometown.
Yes, I’m drawn to books and I’ve found some treasures through the years at the AAUW Faribault Chapter’s Book Sale. The last treasured discovery was a slim volume of poetry, The Voices by Rainer Maria Rilke, translated by Robert Bly. It’s a limited first edition copy, #14 of 50, autographed by Bly, a well-known Minnesota poet who died last November.
I’m also drawn to “Minnesota” books, whether about Minnesota or written by Minnesotans.
When my son was in high school, he’d accompany me to the AAUW sale, hauling home bags of science fiction and fantasy titles.
This year I’ll search for books that interest my grandchildren, ages three and six. And I expect I will find other books that interest me or someone I know. It’s a bit of a treasure hunt, this filing through donated used books packed on tables and sometimes in boxes.
Proceeds from the sale also enable the AAUW to offer scholarships and other programs locally. There are other benefits, like keeping books out of the landfill by recycling them, encouraging reading, making books accessible and affordable…
Here are the remaining sale hours:
Saturday, May 21, 10 am–5 pm
Sunday, May 22, noon–5 pm
Monday, May 23, 4-7 pm ($8 bag sale)
Tuesday, May 24, 4-7 pm (books are FREE)
TELL ME: Do you shop used book sales? If yes, what treasures have you found?
© Copyright 2022 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Love love love books! I’m going to have to find that book with your photos in it, Audrey. That sale looks so tempting. Once I found a D’aulaire illustrated book for 25 cents. Priceless
Thank you for sharing about your priceless book find. And thanks in advance for looking for the “Laura” book with my three photos therein.
I love used book sales! so many treasures waiting to be found
I found four treasures at the sale yesterday.
How lucky!
I found two slim books of poetry, one of which I am gifting to a friend. A 4-H cookbook. And a mini inspirational vintage book which I also intend to give to a friend. I had hoped to find “The Magic School Bus” books for my kindergarten granddaughter, but no luck. My daughter says she can’t find them, not even at the library.
I’ll keep an eye out for you
Thank you. That’s so sweet! 🙂
We are gearing up for our 52nd AAUW Book Sale in June. I can not wait! So much hard work goes into the same all year long. Hats off to your AAUW for their hard work!
I know you work hard on your sale. So thank you for doing that in NC.
Yup. I have found many treasures. Some treasures in the most unlikely places. I am forced niw to find them good homes.
Glad to hear that and good to hear from you again, Gunny.
I have made several cherished purchases at libraries, junk shops, flea markets etc. Unfortunately, I have very little time to read and the cherished books I do have, I now find appreciative homes or places for them to go.
If I remember correctly, Gunny, you are now focusing on caring for your wife, correct? I hope you are doing OK; a difficult time, I’m sure.
Another Minnesota author who grew up on a farm north of Morgan Minnesota is Kent Meyers. I especially like his first book “The Witness of Combines”. A memoir.
Brenda, I loved that book by Kent Meyers and it’s in my personal collection. You are prompting me to reread it. Thank you for your comment so other readers are aware of this book rooted in southwestern Minnesota.
I really miss having a book in my hands, however; I love my Kindle now. I still have a few treasured golden books and seriously need to get them in shadow boxes for display along with a few other treasured items. Living in a reno for over 6 years and now in the home stretch means I can unpack (yes have items not unpacked since 2015) and decorate. I love using my travel books as part of decorating throughout the house – set a frame on top or a saying or a little trinket. Just adds the unexpected and it has worked as an icebreaker when having people over too. Happy Reading – Happy Day – Enjoy 🙂
I love how you cherish your Little Golden books and also weave books into your décor. Six years of living with a reno is a long time. So glad to hear you are in the home stretch.