Fairmount in Ephrata will hold a book sale on Friday, May 15, from noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 16, from 7 to 10 a.m. in the Farm Crest Community Room, 1100 Farm Crest Drive, on the east side of the Fairmount campus. The sale is open to the public, with all books offered at half price on May 16.

The sale will feature thousands of books, as well as puzzles, magazines, and CDs. Materials will be sorted into more than a dozen categories, including history, biography, large print, reference, health and nutrition, self-help, Christian fiction, general fiction, hobbies, gardening, local interest, Christian nonfiction, theology, devotionals, cookbooks, Anabaptist materials, vintage books, magazines, music, and puzzles.

This year's sale will include an especially large selection of children's books and Christian theology resources - two categories that attendees have specifically requested in past years.

In addition to general inventory, the sale will feature a number of rare and collectible items, including books printed in the 1800s and locally significant publications. Among the highlights are an 1837 English "Martyr's Mirror" printed in Lancaster, an 1805 "Die Wandlende Seel" printed in Germantown, and several historic German-language texts. Two volumes feature bookplates from Barbara Ebersole, a well-known local Amish artist.

All proceeds will benefit Fairmount's Sharing Fund, which helps bridge the gap between the cost of care and what residents are able to pay after their financial resources have been exhausted.

Fairmount will also host a spring open house on Tuesday, May 19, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Guests will have the opportunity to tour apartments, cottages, and Personal Care accommodations, as well as observe the progress of Orchard Terrace, Fairmount's current cottage expansion. Tours will begin in the Crest View Gathering Room, where attendees can browse floor plans, meet team members, and enjoy light refreshments.

Advance registration is encouraged by calling 717-354-1811 or visiting http://www.fairmounthomes.org.

Also on May 19, J-Tyme Bluegrass, a popular local group, will present an outdoor bluegrass music concert at 6:30 p.m. at 333 Wheat Ridge Drive on the west side of the Fairmount campus.

The concert is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. In the case of inclement weather, the concert will be rescheduled for Thursday, May 21, and if weather conditions persist, it will be moved indoors to the Farm Crest Community Room.

For more information, visit the aforementioned website.