The Berks Book Bonanza’s return to full force appears to have paid off.
The book sale from July 8 to 12 raised $140,000, marking the highest-grossing sale in the event’s history, officials announced Tuesday. The sale last year raised about $80,000, according to organizers.
They said thousands of visitors turned out throughout the five-day event, with more than 1,800 shoppers showing up July 12 to browse the collection of donated materials.
“We are absolutely thrilled with the results of this year’s sale,” said Judy Ellsworth, Berks Book Bonanza vice president. “We are incredibly grateful to the donors, shoppers and volunteers who helped make it such a tremendous success. We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the county of Berks for generously providing the space that allows us to collect, organize and hold such a large-scale event. We could not have achieved this milestone without the support of our community and our generous host.”
The organization’s headquarters are in the Berks County South Campus at 400 E. Wyomissing Ave. in Mohnton.
The Book Bonanza is one of the largest book sale operations in the region, offering gently-used hardcover and paperback books, CDs, DVDs, puzzles and games at prices of $2 or less for general items. It also offers specialty materials and collectible books.
This year, the organization, which is run entirely by volunteers, will distribute $50,000 each to its two supporting nonprofits, Friends of Berks County Public Libraries and the American Association of University Women Reading Branch.
Proceeds are reinvested into the Berks community through donations to each public library location and scholarships for women, organizers said. Leftover funds will be set aside for ongoing and future expenses.
Organizers are looking to resume collections again this fall at the Mohnton location.
Donations for the next sale will be accepted on Mondays and Tuesdays from Sept. 14 to Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon, except for Monday holidays. Additional hours will be available Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.