Friends of the Palo Alto Library - Palo Alto, California

James P.

Very well run. Great selection at lowest prices. lf you walk away without a dozen wonderful finds you're brain dead or dead broke.

John P.

Fantastic selection of used books. Note that members get early access, so worth joining if you want to try to pick up rare finds. Staff are all friendly volunteers who are happy to help. There can be resellers looking to buy dozens of books, often collecting bags and bags of books.

Agatha R.

If you're a book lover like me, then the Awesome Book Sale is an absolute must-visit! Held every month, this sale is a haven for bibliophiles looking for great deals on a wide range of books. I've been attending these sales regularly, and I'm here to share my experience and recommend this fantastic event to fellow book enthusiasts.

First things first, I highly recommend arriving early to the sale because the good books tend to disappear fast! As soon as the doors open, eager bookworms rush in, and it's a race to snatch up the most coveted titles. Trust me, it's worth waking up early to secure those literary treasures.

The sale boasts three different rooms, each brimming with literary gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you're into fiction, non-fiction, or a specific genre, you'll find something to suit your taste. The variety of books available is truly impressive, and the organizers deserve a pat on the back for curating such a diverse collection.

Now, let's talk about the prices. While some books are priced attractively, I must admit that others could be better. However, considering the sheer quantity and quality of books available, it's understandable that not every book will have an unbeatable price tag. You might need to exercise some discretion and prioritize your selections based on your budget.

One downside to be aware of is the location of the rooms. They are situated quite far from each other on the campus, which can be a bit challenging to navigate. However, once you discover the layout and figure out your preferred route, it becomes easier to maneuver through the sale. Don't let the distance discourage you; the treasure troves of books awaiting in each room are definitely worth the effort!

My only wish is that they held these sales more frequently than just twice a month. But hey, beggars can't be choosers, right? I'm still happy that they organize these book sales, as it gives us avid readers a chance to expand our collections without breaking the bank.

In conclusion, the Awesome Book Sale is a paradise for bookworms where you can unearth literary gems at great prices. Just remember to start early, keep an eye out for the best deals, and be prepared for some distance between the rooms. Despite these minor inconveniences, this monthly event is a must for any book lover. So mark your calendars and get ready for a truly unforgettable book shopping experience!

Happy reading!

Dave H.

Monthly book sale with three different buildings for bargain books, children's books, and the main book sale (all categories.) Very popular with book lovers, and they have great prices. Some vintage and collectable books as well as music and some games. Being your own bags or buy reusable bags at checkout. Cash and credit cards accepted. Parking is limited and very oddly organized - be careful about the narrow one-way lanes that connect multiple smaller lots, because the signage is not very clear. The volunteer staff are very friendly and helpful.

Andy X.

while most local bookstores are struggling all these years, the friends of Palo Alto library always attracted so many people. I assume many visitors came to enjoy more than books, but also a tight, warm and sincere community. the diversity and randomness of the selection of books and affordable price made this sale particularly precious.

Marie-Eve C.

Love their monthly book sale. Great initiative!

Rajagopalan G.

Every month for the past decade or so, our family has enjoyed browsing and buying great books at amazing prices at this place. The fun of discovering a "find" can only be experienced, not described. Kids and adults alike will find something to enjoy at one of the three book sale rooms. My daughter looks forward to going there and plans how she is going to spend her allowance on the books. I feel it has contributed to improving the variety in her reading.

Cherie E.

The woman on the phone and the gentleman helping us unload the boxes from our truck were so friendly and helpful. We were donating a valuable library of books dated back to the 1800’s. We were cheerfully donating then knowing their worth. A very mean and cranky woman stood there as we were unloading the boxes. She was glaring at us and telling us orders in a very disrespectful tone. She caused so much conflict that we didn’t feel like leaving our donation there. We packed it back up and she was still being rude and barking her negativity at us. We were gracious and kind but needed to leave without donating our valuable library. She needs to find a different way to volunteer…not work with people. It was an emotional decision to pass them on in the first place, we didn’t need all that stress. Rotten woman.