The Friends of the Guilford Free Library (FOGFL) group is holding its 39th annual Fall Book and Bake Sale to benefit the library from Friday to Sunday, Sept. 24 to 26. Though this year’s event will be slightly scaled down, the friends and library staff are excited to be able to hold the event at all in light of last year’s cancelation.

Library Director Robert McCoole said that though the sale is slightly smaller, residents will still have a large choice of books.

“It won’t be quite as expansive this year, not every last nook and cranny will be filled, but the organizers have done a terrific job to make sure that there will be a wide variety of items available and it will be just as fun as past years,” said McCoole. “We do expect to make a little less this year, but this is a great community event, not just a fundraiser. I can say that we are very happy to be back, even if it is a slightly reduced program.”

According to organizers, the event will take place mainly outdoors, but will have tables in the lobby and meeting room. To make up for the limited outdoor space at the site, the stock of books will be refreshed during every day’s sale so there will be a constant supply for attendees.

“The friends have done a really good job of picking out the best we have to offer. There will something for everyone of any age this year,” McCoole said.

Despite the brief closure of the library for several months in 2020, staff have continued to receive a tremendous number of book donations making for a large inventory. According to tFOGFLs, many residents and donors had the time to cull their own collections and provide donations of well-curated high-quality, gently used books.

Subjects include-adult and children’s fiction and non-fiction, history, art nature, sports, religion, wellness, crafts, and more. There will be vintage books and paper ephemera including illustrations and maps, as well as CDs DVDs, sheet music, and artwork. The fresh-baked goodies will be available at the sale on Saturday until supplies run out and all items are half-price on Sunday.

FOGFL wants residents to know that all proceeds benefit the Guilford Free Library by funding the adult and children’s books programs, technology purchases, staff development, and more. Patrons can bring their own bag for purchases or buy one for $1 at the event.

The 39th annual Friends of the Guilford Free Library Fall Book and Bake sale will run from Friday, Sept. 24 to Sunday, Sept. 26. Friday hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, with the bake sale in the lobby, will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and the sale will finish on Sunday, which is half-price day, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is a rain or shine event. Call the library for more details 203-453-8282 or visit www.guilfordfreelibrary.org.