Big Book Sale Begins At Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Branch

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—As our world is moving to more electronic means of communications, never underestimate the power of a good book.

Or, as Mike Schuh reports, many good books being let go for cheap.

It's been 365 days since this last happened, and there about the same number as those in line waiting for the main library to open.

"I come every single solitary year," said Rita, library patron.

The event has a name.

"I should say though, it's our equivalent of the running of the brides. It's the running of the books," said Roswell Encina, Enoch Pratt Free Library spokesperson.

Yes! The thirst for knowledge combined with the beauty of a good deal.

"It's our Central Library Big Book Sale. Books are only 50 cents to a dollar," Encina said.

"That's a bargain," Rita said.

And exactly at 10 a.m. "when the doors open, it's like what you see at Target and Wal-Mart the day after Thanksgiving," explained Encina.

At the front, professional book sellers, totes, boxes and Internet connected scanners are their tools of the trade.

Then there are amateurs and people like Jinaki Kambui, who is on a mission.

"I'm looking for children's books because I work at Clarence Blount Child Development Center at BCCC," Kambui said.

She's getting books they simply cannot afford.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for us every year," Kambui said. "Our budget is cut, and I don't have a whole lot of funding for books. So I come here looking for quality books, get it and I get the teachers what they want."

With the pros pulling out their scanners and everyone else hauling as much as they can hold, it's an exciting scene.

And if you missed all this, it goes all weekend.

"The best part is Sunday. You can bring your own box and for $3 put as many books as you want and walk out," Encina said.

The good stuff's not all picked over either. Librarians hold back and set out new stuff. These sales will raise thousands.

"It all goes back to the library. It helps us to buy more books," Encina said.

The Pratt opens 10 a.m. Saturday and at 1 p.m. Sunday.