SOMERS — Book lovers and bargain hunters alike will have plenty to browse when the Friends of the Somers Library host its spring 2026 used book sale this month at the Somers Public Library.
Scheduled for April 10-12, the semiannual sale is a seasonal tradition that draws steady crowds each year, offering thousands of gently used books and media at modest prices.
Timed perfectly for stocking up on spring and summer reading, the event features an estimated inventory of more than 12,000 items, including fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, gardening guides, children’s books, puzzles, CDs, audiobooks and DVDs.
“We have consistently received wonderful support from the community for the book sales,” said Jean Mandirola, one of the event’s organizers. “Patrons come back year after year and sometimes several days at one sale, “just in case they missed something”. Our pricing is modest and the specials we run make buying the slightly used books the perfect way to instill a passion for reading for young and old.”
Special deals add extra incentive for shoppers. Saturday features an Educators Special, where teachers who present a valid K–12 ID can receive one free book for every 10 purchased. Sunday offers both half-price items and the popular “Stuff the Bag” promotion, allowing customers to fill a bag for a flat rate.
Prices remain intentionally affordable, with most books ranging from 50 cents to $2, making it easy for families and avid readers to leave with a full stack.
Behind the scenes, the sale is the result of months of community effort. “The donated books are collected throughout the year, and several Friends volunteers meet a few times a month to sort and box the donations,” said organizer Jean Mandirola. “Prior to the sale, the Friends and some high school volunteers set up tables and unpack the boxes. This activity takes about five to six days with many hands helping in the process.”
The event has also proven to be a reliable fundraiser. “The Friends hold two sales a year, spring and fall, and have pretty consistently raised about $10,000 annually,” Mandirola said.
Those proceeds play a significant role in supporting library offerings. Funds help provide passes to popular regional attractions such as the Connecticut Science Center, Dinosaur State Park and the Mark Twain House, while also underwriting a wide range of programs for all ages—from children’s events like puppet shows and dance workshops ,to teen activities and adult educational talks.
With its combination of low prices, wide selection and community impact, the Friends of the Somers Library Spring Book Sale remains a highlight on the local calendar — and a chance for readers to discover their next favorite book while supporting a good cause.
The sale kicks off with a preview night on Friday, April 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. A $10 entry fee grants early access to the selection, while members of the Friends group can attend for free. The Open Sale follows on Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
