Scene in Northfield: Great Minnesota Book Raid

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The Auxiliary's 51st annual Great Northfield, Minnesota Book Raid kicked off Tuesday with a large crowd ready to recycle the written word.

Hours before the 5 p.m. opening at the , dozens of people waited in line, while others retreated to their cars and under trees to avoid the hot sun.

Volunteer Dick Kleber said while this year's donations were down from last year, the arena was still crammed with thousands of books that he hopes to see all find a new home by Saturday, the last day of the event.

Sale hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Friday all books are marked down 50 percent. Saturday morning is a $4 bag sale, and all books are free between 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Proceeds from the sale go to support the new Cancer Care & Infusion Services at Northfield Hospital and contribute to healthcare scholarships awarded each year by the Auxiliary.