Pick up a bargain and refill your to-be-read pile at the Friends of Elizabethtown Public Library's Fall Book Sale.

"The Friends' book sale offers gently used books in good condition that are just waiting for a second chance to spark your imagination, inspire your creativity or expand your knowledge and horizons," said Terri Dorwart, noting that the sale will feature more than 13,000 books. "Whether you are encouraging your kids' excitement for reading, searching for a rare find or love that thrifting rush, you will find all that and more at the book sale, and with prices like these, you can get a whole stack of books for less than the price of a single new hardback. It's the ultimate guilt-free shopping spree."

The book sale will be held in conjunction with the 17th annual Craft Fair With a Small Business Flair. The book sale will open with a Preview Day on Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the library, 10 S. Market St. This event is for Friends members or by admission for the general public. The sale will continue with free admission from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9; Thursday, Sept. 10; and Friday, Sept. 11. On Saturday, Sept. 12, the sale will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fill-a-bag sales will be held on Friday and Saturday. The Craft Fair With a Small Business Flair will run on Sept. 11 from 3 to 7 p.m. and Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The book sale will feature adult hardback and paperback fiction, biographies, history, cookbooks, nonfiction, hardback and paperback children's books, CDs and DVDs. Customers are encouraged to bring their own bag, except on fill-a-bag sale days.

The Friends operate a bookstore on the first floor of the library as well.

"With each purchase at the sale, patrons will receive a 15% off coupon, which can be used in the bookstore during the sale and for a limited time after the sale," Dorwart said. "The bookstore features more current selections and is open year-round during library hours."

The sale will feature some new initiatives this year, including a Blind Date With a Book section.

"Carefully curated by our dedicated team of volunteers, these books are the perfect surprise gift for yourself or a friend," Dorwart said. "You choose these mystery books by the descriptions on the wrapping and the cute and unique items attached."

The Friends also listened to customer feedback and will offer a better breakdown of nonfiction books, separating the books into categories such as biographies, gardening, religious and sports.

"The fiction section is broken down by trades, hardbacks and paperbacks, as well as a 'Favorite Authors' section where authors such as James Patterson and John Grisham are separated out from the general fiction tables," she noted. "Our vintage collection has expanded. If you're looking for a rare first edition or unique copies of an old favorite, you just might find it on the table set aside to display our collection."

While the book sale takes place in the lower level of the library, the craft fair will be set up throughout the main floor.

"The craft show has a variety of vendors, and many of them have been participating for several years," said Dorinda Nolan, craft fair organizer. "It's an opportunity to shop for unique items and to support local makers."

Items for sale will include lacy crocheted shawls and ponchos, some with coordinating jewelry; handmade cards; handcrafted wood items, such as cutting boards and birdhouses; magnets made from recycled beverage cans; vintage inspired jewelry; amigurumi; crocheted and knitted scarves and hats; small paintings; polymer-resin crafts; kids' bracelets and hair scrunchies; candles; and more.

Each vendor will also display a giveaway item at each booth, and shoppers will have the opportunity to win the items. Winners will be drawn on Saturday at the close of the craft fair.

Shopping at either the book sale or the craft fair is a great way to support operations of the library, Dorwart said.

"One hundred percent of the proceeds from the book sale are donated to the library and used to support library programs and needs in whatever way they see fit," she explained. "The vendor fees for the craft show support the library. Also, the Fiber Artists group that meets weekly at the library will be offering a variety of items for sale that members have made. All proceeds from the sales at their booth are donated to the library."

She added that the Friends group is always looking for volunteers, who sort donations, work in the bookstore and give their time to the book sales held twice a year. Interested people should stop in the bookstore for more information or email Etownbooks@hotmail.com.