Used Book Sale
Join us for our second used book sale on June 7-8 from 11 am-5 pm (Friends preview hour 10-11am Saturday) benefiting the Cambridge Public Library! In 2023 we raised thousands of dollars to benefit programs such as museum passes and STEAM kits.
UPDATE: All children and teens who attend our book sale receive one FREE book!
Thank you to the following businesses who have donated raffle prizes: Formaggio Kitchen, Flour, Down Under Yoga, New City Microcreamery, Cafe Zing!, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Source Restaurant, Black Sheep Bagels, Sumiao Hunan Kitchen.
We are collecting donations of gently used children’s and adult fiction books on May 31-June 1 from 11am-2pm at 20 Holyoke St. Books will be sold back to the public, starting at $1.
FAQ:
Where is the book sale?
The book sale is at 20 Holyoke Street, Cambridge (next to Bosso Ramen) in Harvard Square on June 7-8 from 11am-5pm.
What is the Friends preview hour?
If you are a Friend, you get early access to the book sale on Saturday, June 7 from 10am-11am. You can join online or at the door.
How much do books cost?
Children’s and YA books - $1
Adult softcover - $2
Adult hardcover - $3
Special books (e.g., collectible, recent bestsellers) - As marked
How does the bag sale work?
On Sunday afternoon starting at 2pm, we offer a bag sale - bring your own (or we will have some) grocery sized bag and fill it with books for only $10! Shortly before 2pm, we’ll ask everyone to check out their items and leave the store. At 2pm, we’ll let everyone back in the store to fill their bags. (This is to prevent hoarding books beforehand).
What forms of payment are accepted?
We will accept cash, credit/debit card ($10 minimum)
Are booksellers and scanners allowed?
This sale is intended for individual and family use. We kindly ask that booksellers and resellers using scanners refrain from attending. Thank you for helping us keep the sale accessible and enjoyable for all readers in our community!
What types of books can I donate?
We will accept children’s books, young adult books, adult fiction books, and nonfiction books.
Books must be in gently used condition or better.
Books we do not accept: Reference books, encyclopedias/thesauruses/dictionaries, periodicals/magazines/almanacs, books that are torn/moldy/water damaged
How can I donate books?
Please drop off books on the following dates and times at 20 Holyoke St. Cambridge
May 31-June 1 11am-2pm
Are you driving and have a lot of books to unload? We have volunteers who can help you unload your car.
Please note, there are a few steps at the entrance of our location which may be difficult for those with limited mobility.
Will there be additional book donation dates?
At this time, we do not have additional dates planned besides the dates listed above.
What happens to unsold books?
Books that are not sold at the sale will be donated to various local non-profits, including More Than Words.
How can I get involved?
Help us get the word out! Let your neighbors, friends, and co-workers know about the book drive and sale!
Interested in volunteering for the book collection or the book sale? Please fill out this form. We are looking for volunteers of all ages to sort and organize books, greet shoppers, and process book sales. We will be in contact to confirm volunteer assignments. Thank you!
Feedback or comments? Please email booksale@cambridgepubliclibraryfriends.org or use the Contact form on our website.