Ashburn Library Gears Up for Annual Book Sale

In the dead of winter activities in Ashburn are few and far between—one of the reasons so many people enthusiastically mark their calendars for Ashburn Library’s annual book sale.

“Our's is one of the only book sales that take place in the winter, and because it is after the holidays it is a great time for people to clean out their houses and donate,” said Jessica West, the library's branch manager. "We are very fortunate that we are not competing with other libraries, although the weather can always surprise us.”

As many as 200 people line up outside before the doors open for the highly anticipated event. For avid readers, the selection is wide and the price is right.  Who could turn down the price tag: $2 for hardcovers and $1 paperbacks?

“People walk out of here with dozens of books,” said Jessamyn Ayers, president of the Library Advisory Board.  “I always buy at least ten books myself.”

Popular items frequently include novels from John Grisham, Nora Roberts and Jodi Picoult as well as hard cover classics, contemporary classic and beach reads.

Each year the library accepts donations for two weeks leading up to the sale. It tends to end up with thousands. West estimates annual donations to be in the ballpark of 20,000 books—an extraordinary number that makes the annual sale the branch's largest fundraiser.

“We are so happy to do this once a year. People have a lot of stuff to get rid of and we’re able to turn around and sell it.  It’s a wonderful approach for the library,” West said.

Loudoun County funds most of the library programs, but Ashburn Library's Advisory Board holds a few fundraisers each year to fund programs specifically for Ashburn. In the past, the library has used the proceeds from its fundraisers to provide new books for book clubs and to purchase an iPod sound system and a felt board for the children’s storytime series.

“We fund the longest-running programs at the library,” West explained.

Ayers added that “these fundraisers allow us to reward our staff’s creativity, to best serve our local patrons.”

The sale will have a large selection of books in a range of genres for all ages. The tables are restocked throughout the weekend, so whether browsing on the first day of the sale or the last, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Donations of hardback and paperback books, CDs, DVDs and software can be made during regular library hours from Jan. 12 through Jan. 26.

Dates and times for the sale:

• Jan. 28, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Jan. 29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Jan. 30, 10 a.m -3 p.m.