Friends of the Duluth Public Library Book Sale
Coming in August. Watch the website for updates.
Volunteers will be needed for the Annual Book Sale
Click here for the 2025 Annual Book Sale
Book Sale Room Guide
Green Room
Hardcover and paperback fiction, nonfiction, classics, and large print books for adults
Gold Room
Rare and out-of-print books as well as titles by local authors and unique books on other subjects
All books in this room are individually priced.
Conference Room
Media, DVDs, CDs, audio books on disc
Garage
Children’s and young adult books, toys, and games
Book Sale FAQ’s
Where do the books come from?
While some books are withdrawn from the Library’s own collections, the overwhelming majority are donated throughout the year by library users. Occasionally a book-lover will bequeath his or her private library to the Library. It is recycling at its best. The donor gets a tax deduction, the Library gets needed funds, and the purchaser gets great books at great prices.
What kinds of books do you have?
All kinds. Though it varies with the sale, you can expect a wide variety of nonfiction and fiction – from cookbooks to children’s books, science fiction to poetry, biography to modern fiction. You can also expect a good selection of paperback fiction, lots of how-to books, and many delightful out-of-print books. Due to the unpredictable nature of the donated material, we may have unusual assortments of special topics. You just never know.
What can I expect at the sale?
Lots of books and lots of people, especially on Pre-Sale Day, which is for Friends members only. Be patient. There are plenty to choose from all week.
Is there parking available?
In addition to on-street parking, there is the Library/Depot parking lot below Michigan Street.
Is there a book sale etiquette?
Due to the huge number of books donated and the limited space we have, aisles are narrow. We ask you to:
- Please do not block the aisles with stacks of books or your bags. After you’ve collected a good supply, pay for your purchases and take them to your car. You can return for another round.
- Please do not sit on the floor to make up your mind about your selections. It blocks the aisles, and is unfair to other shoppers.
- Please do not pull out quantities of books to examine and decide if you want them. Pull out one book at a time and if you want it, keep it in your stack of selections. If not, replace it in its category.
We recommend a sturdy canvas book bag to carry your treasures.
Remember that all of the sales workers are volunteers who generously contribute their time to help the Library.
Donations for the Book Sale
Donations of clean gently-used materials are accepted each year July through May 5. If you have a few items to drop off, bring them to the Returns Window at the Main Library. If you have a lot of things to drop off and need assistance, you can go directly to the library’s loading zone on Michigan Street between 10am and 4:30pm. Ring the doorbell near the small entry door and a staff person can bring out a cart to help get donations inside!
Donations Accepted:
Books – hard covers and paperbacks
CDs (music or talking audio books)
DVDs
Please Do Not Bring:
Reader’s Digest Condensed Books
Romance series (i.e.: Harlequin)
Damaged books (i.e.: mildew, dusty, damp, musty, underlined, notes in margins)
Encyclopedias
Textbooks
Catalogs
Magazines
VHS videos
Audio Cassettes
Phonograph Records
Friends of the Duluth Public Library 