This blog was written by Kim Arlia, logistics leader for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

This blog was updated on July 22, 2025 to include new dates and remove dates that have already passed.

“Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.”

— Malala Yousafzai.

BACK TO SCHOOL!!  It is almost here.  Are you ready to get back into the swing of things?  I have been enjoying my long commute free of school buses.  I come out of Rock Hill, SC every day.  I love having an hour to enjoy listening to the latest Libby audiobook as I hate traffic.  I consider it meditative and keeps me from getting road rage as traffic builds on 77.  Now that the school buses will be back – I need to load up on more titles to keep me stress free!  I get my best recommendations from customers that attend the community book sales.  Thank you for diverting my road rage by providing me with your favorite titles!  Oh – if you think I don’t buy at the sales -you are so wrong.  I walk away from every sale with a stack of reading materials either for myself or for a gift!  I mean seriously – there is just about a book on anything you can think of and it makes a perfect gift!

Let’s get back to where I started – BACK TO SCHOOL.  The next three book sales will be loaded with books for those aged 0 to 18.  School is tough  - so why not stack up on pleasure reading for everyone.  We are doubling the number of children’s books being offered at the next three book sales!  Oh – we are going to be at the South End Market Saturday, August 23.  If you are up early you can see me at the South End Market, purchase some great titles and then head to the Pineville Library Community Book Sale for even more great deals!!  I always loved back to school deals!!

"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today."

— Malcolm X.

Support your local library and expand your mind.  See you at the sales!

Start marking your calendar today!  Book sales are 9 a.m. – 1 pm (unless otherwise noted).

• Saturday, August 23, 2025 – Pineville Library
  • Extra children’s books will be available
• Saturday, August 23, 2025 – South End Market (8 a.m. – 1 p.m.) Located on the rail trail parallel to South Boulevard extending to Tremont Avenue
• Saturday, September 13, 2025 –Hickory Grove Library
  • Extra children’s books will be available
• Saturday, September 20, 2025 – Mountain Island Library
  • Extra children’s books will be available
• Saturday, October 25, 2025 – Myers Park Library
• Saturday, November 15, 2025 – Mint Hill Library
• Saturday, December 6, 2025 – North County Regional Library
• Saturday, December 13, 2025 – South County Regional Library

As new dates are scheduled – the listing will be updated.  Hope to see you soon!!

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” — Stephen King

HOW CAN I DONATE BOOKS?

Book donations are currently accepted at all open Library locations. You can drop off a box/bag per day. The back rooms of our libraries are small so we cannot accept large donations at branches. Please call your local Library before making a book donation to ensure the location can receive your items. Do not leave them outside – rain and bugs are not their friends! 

The Library does NOT accept the following items:

1. Newspapers
2. Magazines
3. Encyclopedias
4. VHS tapes
5. Music CDs
6. DVDs

7. Textbooks

    

Have a large donation? Please contact Kim Arlia at [email protected] or Maurice Huntley at [email protected] for directions for the Library Administration Center (LAC).  The LAC operating hours for donations are Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

WHAT HAPPENS TO DONATIONS?

All donations are brought via the library delivery system to the Library Administration Center (LAC).  At the LAC, a team of volunteers will go through the donations and determine what will happen to them based on condition, age, and genre.  Some may be added to the existing library collection, others may go to various outreach programs, some make their way to the many Free Little Libraries in Mecklenburg County, while others end up at the library book sale or for sale at Thriftbooks.com.  Revenue generated by book sales and Thinftbooks.com allows for the procurement of more library materials.

CAN I VOLUNTEER AT A BOOK SALE OR AT THE LAC?

SURE CAN!!!  Complete a profile here:  https://www.cmlibrary.org/volunteer  Make sure you select to work with the Book Donation and Book Sale Team Member.  Having problems with the CERVIS site – contact Kim Arlia by phone at (704) 416-0751 or by email at [email protected]