Used Book Sale
Join us for our second used book sale on June 7-8 from 11 am-5 pm (Friends preview hour 10-11am Saturday) benefiting the Cambridge Public Library! In 2023 we raised thousands of dollars to benefit programs such as museum passes and STEAM kits.
UPDATE: All children and teens who attend our book sale receive one FREE book!
Thank you to the following businesses who have donated raffle prizes: Formaggio Kitchen, Harvard Book Store, Still Life Studios, Flour, Down Under Yoga, New City Microcreamery, Cafe Zing!, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Source Restaurant, Black Sheep Bagels, Sumiao Hunan Kitchen, Henry Bear’s Park, Honeycomb Creamery, Roxy’s Arcade, and Porter Square Books!
FAQ:
Where is the book sale?
The book sale is at 20 Holyoke Street, Cambridge (next to Bosso Ramen) in Harvard Square on June 7-8 from 11am-5pm.
Please note, there are a few steps at the entrance of our location and stairs to our second floor (where we’ll be selling non-fiction books) which may be difficult for those with limited mobility.
Only service animals are allowed inside. Due to space constraints, strollers must be folded up and/or stored on the sidewalk.
What is the Friends preview hour?
If you are a Friend, you get early access to the book sale on Saturday, June 7 from 10am-11am. You can join online or at the door.
How much do books cost?
Children’s and YA books - $1
Adult softcover - $2
Adult hardcover - $3
Special books (e.g., collectible, recent bestsellers) - As marked, starting at $5
How does the bag sale work?
On Sunday afternoon starting at 2pm, we offer a bag sale - bring your own (or we will have some) grocery sized bag and fill it with books for only $10! Shortly before 2pm, we’ll ask everyone to check out their items and leave the store. At 2pm, we’ll let everyone back in the store to fill their bags. (This is to prevent hoarding books beforehand).
What forms of payment are accepted?
We will accept cash, credit/debit card ($10 minimum)
Are booksellers and scanners allowed?
This sale is intended for individual and family use. We kindly ask that booksellers and resellers using scanners refrain from attending. Thank you for helping us keep the sale accessible and enjoyable for all readers in our community!
Are you still accepting donations?
No, we are not accepting donations any more. After 3 weekends of book collection, we have thousands of books that we’re excited to sell. Please stop by our book sale!
Where can I park？
On Saturday, there is limited metered parking on Holyoke Street and surrounding streets. On Sunday, metered parking is free. We suggest taking public transportation if possible.
What happens to unsold books?
Books that are not sold at the sale will be donated to various local non-profits, including More Than Words.
How can I get involved?
Help us get the word out! Let your neighbors, friends, and co-workers know about the book drive and sale!
Interested in volunteering for the book collection or the book sale? Please fill out this form. We are looking for volunteers of all ages to sort and organize books, greet shoppers, and process book sales. We will be in contact to confirm volunteer assignments. Thank you!
Feedback or comments? Please email booksale@cambridgepubliclibraryfriends.org or use the Contact form on our website.