Date Set For Summer Book Sale At Pequot Library In Southport

News release from Pequot Library:

FAIRFIELD, CT — Get ready for the highly anticipated Summer Book Sale at Pequot Library, happening July 25-29. This year’s event promises to be the biggest yet, with a record-breaking selection of books and media—plus more than 500 collectible treasures for 2025—all offered at wallet-friendly prices. Book Sale organizer Doug Fried says, “We’re proud to say that this is truly one of the best sales we’ve ever held, with books and media to please buyers of all ages and one-of-a-kind collectibles, all at great prices.”

As one of New England’s largest and most celebrated book sales, this five-day extravaganza attracts book lovers from across the region. Browse over 100,000 items spanning 30 categories, all conveniently organized under spacious tents on the Great Lawn and parking lot, as well as inside the library’s auditorium and Reading Room. In addition to the usual variety of fiction, history, biography, reference materials, CD’s, DVD’s, and LP’s and more than 30 other categories, this sale features a huge selection of children’s books and hundreds of vinyl records, including both 45’s and 33’s, mostly from the 1960’s to 1990’s. Admission is free, and every purchase helps support Pequot Library’s vital programs, services, and exhibitions for more than 58,000 adults and children each year.

This year, the library is excited to showcase more up 500 “special” items—including books more than 200 years of age, signed books, and two rare vintage posters from the 1930s. A detailed catalog featuring photos and descriptions of these unique offerings will be available on the library’s website beginning July 7. For those interested in a closer look, the collectibles will be on display for in-person viewing at the library on Wednesday, July 16, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.

The sale of these exclusive items will start online at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 19.

Notable highlights of the collectibles include:

• A scarcely-available first edition biography of Edward Lane British, an eminent Arabic Scholar best known; the original green morocco-grain cloth binding , elaborately blocked in gilt;
• First and early editions of the classic The Little Prince in German and French languages;
• A deluxe limited version of Rudyard Kipling's poetry is bound in full limp vellum;
• lettered in gilt on handmade paper. Limited to 500 copies, of which this is # 490. Signed by the publisher and the printer. Cover ties are missing and gift inscriptions on first end page;
• First U.S. edition/first printing of The Wind in the Willows. Original green cloth binding with lettering worn and faded.

In addition to offering thousands of affordable books—most priced at $4 or less—the saleproudly continues a special two-decade tradition. Thanks to the generosity of the Renée B. Fisher Foundation, Pequot Library is providing $100 vouchers to more than 300 public school teachers from New Haven, Bridgeport, Ansonia, Derby, Norwalk, and Stratford. Teachers apply in advance for these vouchers and use them to select books of their choice to enrich their classroom libraries.

Trinity Episcopal Church will once again host its popular “Park for Food” drive on Friday, July 25 (9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.) and throughout the weekend (Saturday 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.). Located just half a block from the library at the corner of Pequot Avenue and Center Street, the church’s parking lot will be open to library patrons in exchange for canned food or monetary donations. Volunteers will be on hand to guide you to available parking spots
while you help support local families in need.

Don’t miss the chance to discover hidden gems during this important fundraiser. For more information about volunteering, plus featured items and collectibles, visit the Pequot Library website.

ABOUT PEQUOT LIBRARY:
Founded in 1889, Pequot Library’s mission is to enrich lives by serving the cultural, educational, and intellectual needs of the entire community. Its annual programs for adults and children serve more than 58,000 participants a year. As a public association library 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the library relies on the generosity of individual donors and foundations, special event fundraisers, grants, corporate and community partners, and Friends of Pequot Library memberships. Follow Pequot Library on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.