Books, movies, science kits and more await shoppers at Friends of Mt. Prospect Public Library Book Sale July 20-21

One can build their own library from the more than 25,000 books, movies, music and more for sale at the Friends of the Mount Prospect Public Library’s giant summer book sale July 20 (Saturday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and July 21 (Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at 10 S. Emerson St. Not only are items available at bargain prices, but admission and parking are free.

Featured at the July sale along with the amazing supply of fiction, art, cookbooks, fashion, travel, gardening, military, sports, history, graphic novels, business and finance books, puzzles and games, are 100 plus historic books on railroads and their schedules in like-new condition. Additionally, more than 400 late 2023 and 2024 novels, 400 plus factory-sealed DVDs and Blu-ray movies, multiple season TV shows and tons of kids, teen and world language books are for sale.

And there’s more. What family can be without a Van De Graaff Static Electricity Generator, a Pitsco Straw Rocket Launcher or a kids’ science lab equipment set? The donated Van De Graaff hair-raising generator produces electricity while one can build a straw rocket and test it with the Straw Rocket Launcher. The library-used science kits for kids span multiple topics, including making robots — each include materials and instructions. And for sale is a Lego large ‘Technic Bucket Wheel’ truck.

“This sale should be a blockbuster. Once again, the community has come through by donating thousands of amazing books, most barely used, and some unusual items we believe will sell fast,” Friends of the Mount Prospect Public Library President Pat Klawitter said. “Not only can people shop at bargain prices, but we like bringing people into the library. While here they can also explore the huge amount of library resources available. The library also provides access to the latest information on science, health, law, consumer issues and more including e-learning opportunities and in several languages.

“Who knew you could borrow a ukulele, a sewing machine, a telescope, tools, cameras and more from the Library of Things here?” Klawitter continued. “The genealogy area is huge; the tech classes are great as are the many classes and book discussions held here at the library. It is also great to know that the funds raised at Friends book sales support so many library programs for the community including the popular ‘Fanfest, Lego World and the Teddy Bear Walk.”

For the July sale, area residents donated 95% of the books.

The sales are in three areas. In the library’s upstairs meeting Room A shoppers will find newer, “Better Books,” mostly hardcover adult, young adult and children’s books, classics, vintage, movies, music, graphic novels, the new ‘Gold Mine’ area featuring special finds, and more, all individually priced; in the lower level ‘Friends Room’ by the elevator are adult, young adult and children’s books, including mysteries, classics, novels, travel, health and diet, children’s and teen books, travel, biographies and more, all priced at $1 each with softcover books for 50 cents; and in the downstairs library garage a huge array of paperbacks and other items all priced at 25 cents each can be found.

“The historical railroad books span the decades and are extremely educational and colorful,” Klawitter added. “Again, not only did the community donate fabulous items for this sale, but the Friends volunteers came through in preparing and holding the sale. I thank our dedicated volunteers, which include several students and some from the Harper College ‘Promise’ program.”

All proceeds from the Friends’ (a 501(c) (3) charitable organization) book sale support library programs, patron services, and staff initiatives.

New volunteers are welcome, Klawitter said. Just go to www.friendsofmppl.org for information on how to join and/or donate items.

“The last book sale broke all records, and we thank everyone for that. People found treasures there and we hope with the amazing new stock we have for this sale shoppers will leave with several new reads, a science project to try or a new movie!” Klawitter said.

For shoppers, handcarts are available and credit cards are accepted.