I feel we have the best book sale in the area," said Pat Casper, describing the Friends of Elizabethtown Public Library's March Book Sale. "It's just the right size, not overwhelming but still big. The books are sorted into categories to help you not waste time. The books are all in good condition, and the space is very comfortable."

The book sale will be held from Tuesday, March 25, through Saturday, March 29, in the lower level of the library, 10 S. Market St., Elizabethtown. Tuesday will be a preview day from 2 to 7 p.m., with a small admission charge for nonmembers of the Friends group; Friends members will be admitted for free. Hours on Wednesday, March 26 through Friday, March 28, will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hours on Saturday will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Books will be available in a wide range of fiction and nonfiction categories, including history, biography, cookbooks, paperbacks, trade books and children's books. A variety of CDs and DVDs will also be sold.

"This is a great sale to get lots of children's books," Casper said. "Our prices are very affordable. We offer the community a way to stretch their dollar and get the books they want."

The preview day typically attracts a crowd that's a mix of dealers and community members.

"We used to get more - 10-plus - dealers who bought our books for resale," Casper remarked. "We still get some of them, and they pay to get first pick because they are going to resell. Others come because you get first pick on all the books, from 2 to 7 p.m. If you are looking for specific books, looking to fill out your collection, this is your chance. The nicest books go in this first day and (a small admission fee) is not a lot to pay for the privilege. You can buy a Friends membership ... at the sale that is good for a year, and you get into the sales for free on preview day." The Friends group holds two books sales annually, one in the spring and one in the fall.

Proceeds from the book sale provide support for library programs and operations.

The Friends group spends a significant amount of time preparing for the sale.

"We collect, sort and box donations to the library all year," Casper said. "On the Saturday before the sale, we set up the room with tables and move all the boxes into the Community Room in the lower level of the library and put the books on tables. We have volunteers who do a great job, including setting up the sale."

Donations are accepted year-round at the library whenever the library is open and may be placed in a designated space inside near the rear doors.

The Friends group is always looking for more members, who can help in a variety of ways at the library, including volunteering in the on-site bookstore.

Casper invites everyone looking to add to their book collection to come to the sale.

"We give you help getting your books to your car," she said, noting that customers are encouraged to bring their own bags or boxes. "We do everything we can to make the shopping experience easy. You can pay with cash, check or credit card."

Entry to the library is from the back of the building where there is free parking available in a lot. For more information, visit https://etownpubliclibrary.org.