Hawaii's biggest book sale starts this weekend

Updated: Jun. 15, 2018 at 5:43 PM HST
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Books fill up McKinley High School's cafeteria and spills into an outdoor tent. (Image: Hawaii...
Books fill up McKinley High School's cafeteria and spills into an outdoor tent. (Image: Hawaii News Now)

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - It took over 400 volunteers and 150,000 titles to put on Hawaii's largest book sale. And on Saturday, the annual Friends of the Library of Hawaii's 71st Book Sale will open its doors to the public.

The event, presented by Hawaii State Federal Credit Union, is one of the oldest, continuously running book sales in the country.

It started in a home in 1947. The first time around, a book auction raised $400.

Now, the books take up McKinley High School's entire cafeteria and spills into an outdoor tent.

Besides the literature, there's also media, games, puzzles, a model plane collection, comics and more. All of which were community or organization donations.

All of the proceeds will be going to support public libraries.

"It's a whole lot of great stuff at great prices," said Nainoa Mau, executive director of Friends of the Library of Hawaii.

Mau said the average price for a buy will be around $2.50. However, there are some rare books on sale for as much as $1,100.

"One year, we sold one for $6,000," Mau said.

The sale will continue through June 24. Special 10% discount days will be available for teachers and librarians Wednesday, members of the military on Thursday and seniors on Friday.

It's easy to see why nearly 15,000 people are attracted to the sale annually.

What's harder will be combing through the 80 different genres of books to find the perfect ones to take home.

"It's a great way to provide literacy and education at affordable prices to our community," Mau said.

For more information, visit the Friends of the Library of Hawaii website.

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