Palo Alto libraries will be closed Sunday April 12 for Easter.

Even when the libraries are closed, you can still search the online catalog, submit reference desk questions, access many online resources, and get book recommendations.

Non-profit organizations and schools that need FREE books should come to the Bargain Room this month from 4 to 6 pm on Sunday, April 12.  Please bring your own grocery bags to put books into.  More information.

April Sale Doings

NOTE: WE WILL BE OPEN EASTER SUNDAY.

Since the March sale we received large donations from four estates. Our sorters and section managers have been busy categorizing the bounty and we've gotten the shelves restocked for another big sale....SOME HIGHLIGHTS: Several dozen books on various forms of Exercise, including Running, Yoga, Weight Training, Sports Nutrition and Sports Medicine form one of our Specials this month. You'll find these in the white case facing the Medical Section next to the entry door. Military History is well represented this month. We still have a huge selection of Cookbooks from Part III of the incredible donation of culinary volumes we received last month all from one donor. The best stuff will be for sale in the Main Room but there will be dozens available in the Bargain Room and Outdoor Tent Sale as well...Classic Literature is also featured this month. The Classics aisle is overflowing so we've added another section near the exit which is filled with some nice older sets and individual volumes of great classic lit...If the bad economy has you pinching pennies, you'll find financial advice in our Business section and just around the corner Do-It-Yourselfers will find plenty of how-to books in Home & CraftsLate addition - just in this week some nice books and magazines on Sailing and Model Shipbuilding.

 
Preview Our Shelves

Check out some of the tens of thousands of books that will be on sale this weekend using our shelf preview pictures.

Our popular Outdoor Tent sale goes on. Thanks to some very dedicated volunteers who braved the inclement weather we managed to hold the Outdoor Sale the past two months despite less-than-perfect conditions. All items offered in this area are only $1.00 each and we have a great selection of books, movies, music and games. There are great bargains to be had. Popular items here have been hardback novels, cooking, science, military, reference (get a nice old dictionary for only $1.00!), travel guides, and VHS movies. This part of the sale opens at 9am under the big green tents, so long as it doesn't rain!

We've also expanded our Sunday hours to 11am-4pm in all rooms on a permanent basis.

The March Sale marked the debut of our "exceptional books" showcase. Due to an increase of thefts from our sales we've been forced to lock up some of our more unique, collectible and high value books. We've restocked it with some great stuff. The books in this case are offered to our regular customers for one month before they are listed online. The prices at the sale are significantly BELOW what they will be offered for sale online. Thanks to some feedback from customers, we have tweaked the system a little bit this month. On Saturday there will be a sign up sheet on the case for priority access. Due to the crowds in the room in the early part of the sale, no books will be sold from the cabinet until 1pm. On Sunday, access to the cabinet will be any time during the hours of the sale. See any FOPAL volunteer to unlock the case for you.

Click here to view the Exceptional Books inventory (HTML)

Click here to view the Exceptional Books inventory (PDF)

Audiophiles believe that music sounds best on vinyl. Since the advent of the CD music lovers have had to resort to searching garage sales, thrift stores, and the rare stores that still stock vinyl records. While we normally receive some vinyl every month, the audio gods were especially kind to us this month. We have the largest stock of vinyl we've had in many months. We have some LPs in exceptional condition, mostly vintage rock and pop, for sale in the Main Room from $2-20 per album - however the majority of it can be found in the Bargain Room at $1 per disk. However on Sunday you can fill a bag with sonic treasures for $5. Most people can fit 15-20 records in a bag.

 
Sunday Mystery 50% Off Sale Continues; Free Books for Sunday Shoppers

On Sunday April 12 there will be a 50% off sale on one category of books in the Main Room. The category will not be announced ahead of time, the only way you can find out which category is on sale is by attending the sale on Sunday. Signs will be posted on the doors and on the shelves of the section involved on the morning of the Sale. In addition, we will have a small selection of FREE books available to shoppers on Sunday. One free book per person, and you must purchase at least one item from the Sale. There are a limited number of free books and first-come, first-served. This applies to the Main Room only. Doors open at 11 am.

By shopping at Kepler's Books in Menlo Park and Amazon.com, a percentage of your purchase price can help the Palo Alto Libraries at no cost to you.  At Kepler's, just mention to the cashier that you want to support the Friends of the Palo Alto Library.  For Amazon.com, always start your shopping session by clicking here or on the Amazon link on the top right of any of our web pages at www.friendspaloaltolib.org.  Virtually all purchases you make at Amazon are eligible, not just books.  Over the years, we've raised thousands of dollars to help our libraries through these programs.