Chairs: Jane Ciacci and George Davis.

The annual Hyde Used Book Sale is held on Columbus Day weekend at the 55th and Lake Park Shopping Center. The Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference assumed responsibility for the sale in 2007 in order to maintain this Hyde Park tradition (it was previously run for about 50 years by the Hyde Park Co-op staff and volunteers). HPKCC is fortunate to enjoy the sponsorship and support of Treasure Island Foods, which provides a room for sorting and a central collection point for books.

Where do we get the books?

All books are donated, beginning the middle of August. Many long-time loyal customers enjoy culling their books every summer to make donations, and then shopping the sale to fill the gaps. The sale typically offers 30,000+ books in over 50 subject areas, for sale at very affordable prices (most from 50 cents to $2).

The Sale accepts usable books in all subjects, with some exceptions. We do not sell multi-volume encyclopedias, magazines, or journals, except National Geographic and Poetry magazine. We request that donations be in readable condition.

What happens after the sale?

The Book Sale Committee is always looking for ways to ensure that the books left over at the end of the sale can be donated for the benefit of others. If you know of organizations such as churches, nursing homes, shelters, schools, or hospitals that would be interested in receiving free books (and would be able to come and take them away on Monday) please call (773) 288-8343 well before the sale.

Where does the money go?

The Book Sale is currently the major fundraising activity for HPKCC, enabling us to rent an office in the Hyde Park Bank Building and supporting the work of the Conferences' numerous committees and task forces. Proceeds are also used to support other neighborhood programs.

Get involved!

If you have questions about the sale, or suggestions of groups that could use leftover books, contact HPKCC, (773) 288-8343. If you would like to volunteer, either as part of the book collecting and sorting team between mid-August and mid-October, or at the sale itself, contact Jane Ciacci or George Davis; also if you would like to donate books, but need a pickup. we will be able to make a limited number of pickups by prearrangement.

We look forward to seeing you at the sale!