Mark your calendars: Wake libraries' book sale this month

This massive sale is a great opportunity to get deals on books of all kinds. I usually try to load up on books to keep my kids busy on lazy summer afternoons or long car trips. Over the course of the sale, 18,000 visitors are expected to sort through 450,000 items.

This year, the sale will take place at the Jim Graham Building at the fairgrounds. That's nearly twice the size of last year's space - the Exposition Building at the fairgrounds.

The sale is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., March 29; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., March 30; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., March 31; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., April 1. There will be musical entertainment on March 30 and family-friendly entertainment on March 31.

Prices are $4 for hardbound books and $2 for paperbacks and children's books on March 29 and March 30. Hardbound books are $2 and paperbacks and children's books are $1 on March 31. April 1 is bargain day when a bag of books is $2 and a box of books is $5.

The sale takes cash and checks only. No credit cards or debit cards will be accepted. Be prepared for some lines too, though I've never had to wait too long when I have shopped. Customers may bring carts or book trucks with them.

There also are volunteer opportunities. Volunteers must be at least 14.