Book sales (or, to be more modern and current, book and electronic media sales) are the backbone of many libraries’ fundraising efforts, and in tough economic times, these sales are a needed source of library revenue. Written by librarians from the Lancaster (Pennsylvania) Public Library, the Potsdam (New York) Public Library, and the Oro Valley (Arizona) Public Library, this book is unique in its perspectives and views from three different public libraries across the country. It contains many helpful tips and useful practices for organizing and managing a successful book and electronic media sale. The authors address topics such as how to obtain sufficient book donations, how to create book sale committees, how to recruit, train, and retain book sale volunteers, how to organize donations, how to publicize the event, and how to keep account of book sale income. Throughout each chapter, all three authors offer their expertise and experience in running successful book sales at their respective libraries, with handy tips (highlighted by a light bulb) and convenient examples of letters, posters, and flyers. The layout of each chapter, with its examples in gray, makes it easy to read and simple to locate information quickly. The appendixes include a book collection glossary, a guide to collectible books, a list of Internet resources, and a collection of price guide resources.

Although focused mainly on public library book sales, A Book Sale How-to Guide: More Money, Less Stress can also be used by other types of libraries, such as academic libraries, that wish to hold successful book sales. Pat Ditzler and Joann Dumas have written a very useful and resourceful guide to running smooth and hassle-free book sales—all libraries should make this book a part of their collection, if they want to earn income for their institutions. Highly recommended.