The Northfield Hospital Auxiliary Book Sale is an April tradition here for the past 61 years. With more than 300 volunteers and 70,000 donated items for sale, this week-long event is heady for any bibliophile. So heady, in fact, that for several years I decided not to go, because I was concerned that I would claim too many books for my already wobbly stacks.

This year, having done lots of decluttering, I was bitten by the book-buying bug again. I decided to brave the opening evening crush, and I am glad I did, even though rain threatened, and I had to park several blocks away (a rare event for a Northfield gathering) and carry two (heavy and bulging) nylon bags back to the car. Fortunately, the rain held off, and I was able to find some fiction I was seeking by two writers of interest to me now (Willa Cather and Ivan Doig.) I also succumbed to the eye-candy of several quilt books, not only for the pleasure of looking at this form of art but for inspiration to use more of my large library of fabrics in future projects. Below are a few photos from Tuesday evening. I believe that I shall return for another peek at the remaining quilt books today, without the press of the big crowds.

It is a wonderful thing to live in a place where people love books and reading, and express this love in a way that benefits local health care. The Book Sale continues until Saturday, April 27. On Friday, April 26, all titles are half-price (meaning only 50 cents to a dollar for most books.) On Saturday morning, from 8:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., the remaining books can be had for $5 per bag; and then until the sale closes at 3:00 p.m., the last books are free.

Here’s hoping that you will find a new gem to read before the month is out–from a book sale, an independent bookstore like Northfield’s Content, a large retailer, a loan from a friend, a pick from a Little Free Library,…or even a forgotten jewel on your own library shelves! LESLIE