Will the Friends Used Bookstore be open during the sale?

Yes. The Friends Used Bookstore will be open until 6:30 p.m. on Friday evening and from 10 a.m. -2 p.m. on Saturday.
 

Is the Friends Used Bookstore part of the bag sale?
No. The Friends Used Bookstore is not part of the bag sale and will maintain normal pricing.

 

Why are yellow ribbons tied to red Friends bags that are purchased?

Yellow ribbons are placed on each bag purchased on the day of the sale to show the Book Sale volunteers your receipt of purchase. Only the red bags currently need yellow ribbons. Royal Blue, Lime, and Purple FWPL bag colors have been retired so we know the bag was already purchased.

 

Where do the books that are sold originate?
We sell donations from the public and books from the library that have been taken out of circulation. We accept book donations year-round at all library branches during operating hours.
 

Will the July book sale contain books that you didn’t sell at your last sale?
NO. The book sale selections are always changing and many shoppers attend multiple sales each year because we have “fresh” books for every sale. We don’t resell books that are left over from previous sales. The books that don’t sell are recycled through donations to others who can use them.
 

Do you have to be a member of the Friends of the Wichita Public Library to attend the sale?
No, but you'll get to shop in advance of the public with an annual membership. Our memberships range from $15 to $150 and provide you with the opportunity to shop the night before our public sale.
 

Is there an entry fee for the book sale?
No, there is no fee to browse the book sale. To take advantage of our "bag sale," bring your FWPL bag, or you can purchase a new FWPL bag for $5 at the sale, or in the Used Bookstore. Then fill your bag for $5. Books can also be purchased individually. 
 

Are your book sales fundraisers?
Yes. Your purchases help keep your library going through unique programming like The Big Read, Local Authors Day, the Summer Reading Program and author lectures/visits. It takes about 20 volunteers to run each book sale. 
 

What kind of books will I find at the book sale?
Fiction, mystery, romance, science fiction, fantasy, travel, religion, sports, self-help, history, biographies, hobbies, cooking, and more. You'll find books for adults, teens and children of all reading levels.
 

How many books are available?
We typically have 10,000 books at each sale. 
 

What are my payment options?
We accept cash, check, or credit cards. 
 

How much do books cost?  
While books can be bought individually and range from $1-$5, most books are sold by the bag. Bring a Friends bag or purchase one for $5, then fill the bag for $5 with as many books as you can fit. Specialty items and merchandise may be priced separately.