When you browse the tables at the Kreutz Creek Library fall book sale, you'll find a mix of genres and a huge selection.

"By our rough count, we had about 18,000 books last spring," said Ed Ritter, book sale chair, describing the library's spring sale. He expects as many at the fall sale, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, in the Hellam Township Public Works Building, 44 Walnut Springs Road, York.

Along with fiction and nonfiction books for adults and children, the sale will feature puzzles and jewelry. "We sold a lot of puzzles in the spring," said Jennifer Johnson, library manager. "They became popular during the pandemic, and they seem to be even more popular since."

Books will be sorted by category, with certain authors highlighted. "We take a dozen or so of our top authors and put their books together in cartons," Ritter said, noting that authors might include Janet Evanovich and James Patterson. "That way, they're all in one place."

Johnson said this is especially appreciated by collectors of specific authors. "If you're looking for a specific title, this is really handy," she stated. "It makes it easy to find what you're looking for."

The book sale will also feature hot dogs and baked goods for sale, and an opportunity to fill a bag of books for a set fee will begin at noon on Saturday.

"We started that in the spring this past year, and it was very successful," Ritter recalled. "We were still very busy on Saturday afternoon."

Johnson agreed, adding that the one-price sale doesn't cut into the inventory. "You might think by the end of Saturday there are no good books left," she shared, "but that's not the case. What is a good book to you might not be to someone else, and there are good books to be had."

The book sale is organized by the Friends of the Kreutz Creek Library, and the sale will help fund operation of the library. "The money raised by the Friends helps with the costs to keep the library open," Johnson said. "The Friends also support the library with donations for specific programs and projects."

Ritter emphasized that the Friends work year-round sorting donations for the two annual sales. "The books are all checked before we put them out for sale," he said. "They are in good condition, no water damage, no missing pages. These are good, quality books."

For Johnson, the book sale reinforces how the community and the library are connected. "It's always overwhelming to me when I stop by the sale and I see people shopping," she said. "I think, every single book, every puzzle, every baked good, every hot dog, all contribute to sustaining the work we do in the community. Every purchase, no matter what size, matters. It's wonderful to see the community support we receive."

The book sale will accept cash, checks and credit cards. For more information, visit http://www.yorklibraries.org/hellam-kreutz-creek.