My Turn - Book sale upcoming

My shelves sparkle with treasures I've picked up for pennies over the years at the annual used book sales hosted by the Friends of the Portales Public Library.

Some of my favorites are a 1921 collection of inspirational poetry, a yellowing volume of Rudyard Kipling's humorous tales, and a like-new paperback Eva Ibbotson story that my daughter and I somehow missed one season when we consumed her works.

The 2012 version of this treasure hunt opens at 5 p.m. today, and will continue through Saturday in the library meeting room.

It's a win-win proposition. Paperbacks cost a quarter; hardbacks set you back fifty cents. In turn, the Friends use that money to support the library's year-round activities like the Summer Reading Program and Breakfast with Santa.

From 5 to 7 tonight, $5 buys you a bag to fill with the books of your choice, but if you're a real bargain hunter, you'll want to be back on Saturday morning when all remaining stock will be available for a dollar a bag.

Find a better deal anywhere. Go ahead. I dare you.

There is no better way to recover from that endless political season than with a good book … unless, of course, it's with a whole bag full of them!

Betty Williamson knows that used books are also great low-cost home insulation.

You may reach her at [email protected].