LAPLACE — The Norris J. Millet Sr. Library in LaPlace is welcoming the community this weekend at the Friends of the Library Big Book Sale, from which proceeds will go toward purchasing prizes for a parish-wide summer reading program promoting literacy to children, teens and adults.

The book sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday in the library’s meeting room, located at 2920 U.S. 51.

With items priced at only a fraction of what retail stores would charge for the same titles, the sale is a book lover’s dream, according to David Egudin, president of Friends of the Library.

He said prices are as follows: paperbacks will be sold for 10 cents, hardcovers cost 25 cents, CDs and DVDs are $1 and battery-operated playaway audio books cost $2.50.

Prices are even lower on Sunday.

Guests will be given a plastic bag to stuff full with books and other items, and whatever fits will be theirs for only $1.

Additionally, Egudin said representatives from local schools and the jail will receive books for free.

“It’s a community event, and we welcome people to come out because it’s for a worthy cause,” Egudin said.

He said the success of last year’s sale helped pay for summer reading program prizes including headphones, virtual reality goggles, LeapStart activity books, an Amazon Alexa and bicycles, which were awarded to winners selected from a pool of children and adults recognized for finishing at least 20 books over the summer.

In addition to giving people an opportunity to purchase books for a great price and funding literacy programs, the book sale also builds connections with people in the community, according to Library Director Trina Smith.

“We want to get people in the door, not only to attend the book sale, but also to walk around, talk to the staff and see their tax dollars are being put to good use,” Smith said.

“There’s something here for everybody. We’re developing partnerships with agencies throughout the community, and whatever doesn’t sell will be given to schools, veteran’s homes and the jail.”

She said the book sale also pays for live performances and items such as display cases to continue enhancing the St. John Parish Library system.

Those who wish to volunteer can show up at the meeting room prior to the event.

For more information about the book sale, call the Norris J. Millet Sr. Library at 985-652-6857 and ask to speak to Egudin.

— By Brooke Robichaux