Magnuson 'Hangar of Books' Sale
We're a little reluctant to tell you about this, honestly, because we don't want any more competition for the good stuff, but we really are good folks at heart, so we'll let you in one of the absolute highlights of our year: tonight is the special Member's Preview of the Friends of the Seattle Public Library Book Sale at Magnuson Park. It runs all day Saturday and Sunday as well, and on Sunday things are half price, which, we'll get to prices in a minute.
It's in Building 30, which is one of the hangar-type deals at the south end of the park near the dog run. It's something like $10 or $15 to become a member, but once you're in, most of the books are $1. Now you may be thinking "how good could the books be if they're unloading them for $1?" Well you, our skeptical friend, are in for a treat. They are jaw-droppingly good. Good condition, good finds, good old stuff, good new stuff, hard covers, paperbacks, mass-markets, non-fiction, esoterica, randomness, beauty, and funk. And that's not even to mention the posters, records, software, CDs, sheet music, and, *swoon* the Rare Book Room.
So here are a couple of tips for navigating the wonder and magic that is this sale:
- The website tells you to bring your own bag, but it doesn't tell you that you'll probably be happier bringing your own wheeled luggage of some sort. Last time we went with only a couple of those cloth PCC grocery bags and nearly dislocated our shoulders. Some people bring boxes and buy in phases. Prepare yourself.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring water and snacks. They sell them, and though we like to support the concessions stands at places like this, they don't have much we tend to want. We got thirsty.
- If you think you might want something, take it with you. If you change your mind, you can put it back later. You think to yourself, eh, I'll come back later if I want it, but you probably won't. Around every corner is another marvel, and it's very hard to backtrack.
We waste our breath twice a year telling people how marvelous this thing is, and we see in their eyes a dingy sad pile of books no one wants, instead of the towering mecca of book lovers that it is. Don't make the same mistake!
