The Fairfield Public Library is running a special month-long mini book sale throughout April, giving the community an extended chance to browse and pick up a wide variety of materials at affordable prices. Items available include adult fiction, juvenile books, DVDs, CDs, and vinyl records.
The library typically holds four major book sales each year: in February, May, September, and November. The April mini sale was added in response to a significant and sustained influx of donations the library has received since its February sale. It also serves as a warm-up to the library’s regularly scheduled May sale, which is expected to be one of the most diverse of the year, featuring not only books and media but also computer equipment, collectibles, and vintage materials.
Book sales have long been a valued tradition at the library, serving both as a community gathering point and as a meaningful source of funding for library programs. Proceeds go toward visiting educators and performers, paperback copies for library-sponsored book clubs, and digital tools like the Beanstack reading challenge app.
Library Director Alecs Schmidt-Mickunas emphasized the importance of community participation in keeping the cycle going. “The library depends on both the generosity of donors and the community’s enthusiasm for these sales,” Schmidt-Mickunas said. “It’s a cycle that directly supports lifelong learning and access for everyone.”
Looking further ahead, the library is exploring the idea of a nonprofit Friends of the Library bookstore, which could serve as a permanent home for donated materials while continuing to direct proceeds back to library services. Schmidt-Mickunas noted that interest in physical books appears to be growing nationally as well, pointing to major retailers like Barnes & Noble announcing new store openings after years of declining physical retail.
“Based on what we’re seeing locally — both in library visits and in the volume of donations — I believe Fairfield could support a bookstore with the right model and hours,” Schmidt-Mickunas said. “Anyone interested in exploring that opportunity is encouraged to reach out to me to discuss next steps.”
Photo courtesy of the Fairfield Public Library.
