As The Republican-Herald prepares for its summer used book sale, it is also looking for a new home for the popular event.
The Newspaper in Education Used Book Sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 27 and 28, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 29 and 30 at the Schuylkill Mall, Frackville. The parking lots outside the bank and Dunham’s would be the best to use. The sale is cash only. Funds benefit area students through the Newspaper in Education program.
“We, like everyone else, are saddened to have to move elsewhere. We do appreciate that the new owners of the mall allowed us to have our final sale in our same location as it is a wonderful setup for us,” said Janet Joyce, director of marketing and community services at The Republican-Herald.
Joyce also sent her appreciation to Elaine Maneval, the former mall manager; Dana Baker, the mall’s marketing director, and Jim Bova and his crew in property maintenance for their efforts over the years.
She said the January book sale will be in a new location, possibly the Cressona Mall.
As for the upcoming sale, Joyce said they are looking forward to seeing the “regulars” who come to every sale.
She mentioned Ann from Shenandoah, who braves the initial crowd to make sure she gets the books she really wants and then typically comes back at least once more when it is less crowded so she can browse a bit more; George of Pottsville, who comes year after year looking for books of local interest along with history books; and Kawika, Lisa and Sarah who find treasures worthy of being gifts.
Joyce said they have lost some friends over the years — regulars who have passed away and now their spouse comes alone or with family.
“We think of and miss these ones who are no longer with us,” she said.
Joyce said the customers have made suggestions that have improved the sale.
“For instance, Mary Ann of Shenandoah requested that we group fiction by the first letter of the author’s last name. It is a lot of extra sorting but we’ve managed to do so,” Joyce said.
The books are sorted by category, such as romance, large print, sci-fi, fantasy, horror and inspiration, for fiction, and cookbooks, self-help, history and biographies for nonfiction.
Prices are $3 for hardbacks and $1 for paperbacks. Thin romance books like Harlequin and Silhouette, are five for $1. Children’s books are $1 for hardbacks and three for $1 for paperbacks.
There will also be DVDs, CDs, VHS tapes and books on CD and tape for sale.
Customers who plan on buying more than five or six books are advised to bring a sturdy tote bag. There will also be bags available for $1.
A big sale is planned for Saturday to clear out remaining merchandise.
“It might be a bag sale, box sale or half price. We will wait to see what our inventory looks like before deciding,” Joyce said.
Additional information can be found at www.republicanherald.com/booksale.
Contact the writer: epeddigree@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6003.