It was a big weekend over April 2 and 3 for Vienna-area book fairs. Both Historic Vienna, Inc. and Friends of Patrick Henry Library opened their doors to hundreds of residents and book dealers and offered thousands of inexpensive used books. Both book sales were fundraisers for their respective sponsoring bodies, supported by books donated by community supporters.
HVI moved its annual 2 1/2-day used book sale to a new location this year, as the Vienna Community Center is closed for renovation. To the rescue was American Legion Post 180 offering its hall space for rental. More than 25,000 used books – including some treasures – went on the market Friday evening for the members-only sale. As typical for HVI’s annual mega-sale, lines had already formed long before the doors opened at Legion hall on opening on April 1, 2, and 3.
Boy Scout troop 152, based at Vienna Presbyterian Church, the history honor society at Madison High School, and 6-8 middle school and high schoolers from various schools moved and sorted books for HVI and assisted buyers at the sale. Profit from the book sale raises funds for HVI’s programming, from exhibits at Freeman House to community special events.
Although on a smaller scale, the used-book sale operated by Friends of Patrick Henry Library was so swamped with buyers at times that browsers were squeezed in -- that is how popular this semi-annual book sale is. Sponsored and hosted by Friends of Patrick Henry Library, proceeds fund programming not supported by Fairfax County, from special events to regular activities. Friend estimates they offered approximately 3,000-plus used books.
On hand to help out Friends of Patrick Henry Library sorting and assisting buyers were middle-schoolers from area schools fulfilling their community service commitment.