By Taylor J. Hale
Staff Writer

STEVENS POINT – The Portage County Public Library annual book sale kicks off on July 19. The two-day event is the largest fundraiser held by the group and features over 15,000 discarded or donated books, CDs, videos and pieces of media for patrons to browse and purchase.

“It is the biggest annual fundraiser we do, so it makes a big impact for each of our departments,” explained Larry Oathout, director of the Portage County Public Library. “While our budget allows for the basics, this sale allows us the opportunity to get items that people have been requesting, such as extra books and enhancing our board game collection and adult graphic novels at a quicker pace than we would normally be able to do.”

Oathout estimated roughly 9,000 pieces of media were donated to the library system throughout the year, most of which will be for sale during the event. The annual fundraising sale draws in approximately $4,000 a year in proceeds to help support library programming.

While Oathout and his peers appreciate the financial support, they also see the event as a means to welcome the community into the library.

“Obviously the extra funding is important, but it also brings people into the library who might not normally come, and we get to have some great conversations with people in the community,” he said.

The book sale will be held at the Portage County Public Library, 1001 Main St., Stevens Point. Sale times are July 19, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., and July 20, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/442904189866448/.