It might be Thursday, but it’s our Friday, since tomorrow the Court is closed for Cesar Chavez Day. It was actually perfect timing since tonight was the Members Only Preview Sale of the Friends of the Library Book Sale! My friend and co-worker MarathonGirl (formerly known as PixieChick) and I decided to attend and see if we could find some great books.

MG and I went for sushi before heading down to the Vet’s Hall where the sale was going to be. Shin’s – just across the street from the Courthouse – is fast becoming one of our favourite hangouts. We shared three rolls: the Banzai Burrito, the House Special, and the third one I can’t remember the name of right now, but it’s really, really good!

A little after six, we picked up another co-worker, Miss K., and the three of us headed down to buy some books. It only cost $10.00 to become a Member of the Friends of the Library, and once we purchased our memberships, we were allowed in. All I can say is … WOW! I thought there might be a few people milling around a few stacks of books, but the whole hall was filled with books, and the place was crazy with people! It was a madhouse! There were book lovers, collectors and (I learned from some careful eavesdropping) even used book store owners! For the most part everyone was courteous and polite, but there was still some assertive elbowing necessary to get to where you wanted to be. People were there with bags and boxes and those plastic buckets you get at the post office, and trollys and dang! People were just grabbing books! It was insane!

The three of us first attempted to hit the kids table (most of the books on my list are YA books I remember and loved when I was a kid), but it seemed to be the most popular table to be at. I saw some books stacked up there I loved but already have, and found some to buy, but nothing off my list. I was slightly disappointed by that, but I couldn’t be sad for too long because I scored several great kids’ books:

The sale ran from six to nine, and we ended up staying for nearly the whole three hours! Miss K. ended up with a box and a canvas bag she’d brought with her, MG had two large paper bags full, and I had my few books. It was really very fun and exciting, and we’re already planning our strategy for next year: MG and I will flex our lunches to get off work early, Miss K. will grab Subway sandwiches for dinner, and we’ll all meet up at the Vet’s Hall to get in line early, like five o’clock! We’re certain with the number of people who were already in there with boxes filled with books that there was a line of people waiting to get in.

It was a great night. It was fun to be around so many books, and so many people who love books. I can hardly wait till next year!