Towson Library Book Sale Returns for 29th Year

Annual community event offers deep discounts on books, puzzles, and more to support library programs

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:27pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of a stack of books in soft, blurred focus, conveying the warm, inviting atmosphere of a community book sale event.The annual Towson Library Book Sale offers a treasure trove of literary discoveries in a welcoming, community-driven setting.Towson Today

The Friends of Towson Library Book Sale is back this week, giving readers a chance to purchase a wide variety of books, puzzles, and other items at deeply discounted prices. The sale, which runs from April 15-18, is a highly anticipated annual event that supports the Towson branch of the Baltimore County Public Library system.

Why it matters

The book sale is a beloved community tradition that has been running for 29 years. It provides an opportunity for local residents to stock up on affordable reading materials while also raising funds to enhance the Towson library's programs and facilities. The sale's popularity demonstrates the continued importance of public libraries as hubs for learning, discovery, and community engagement.

The details

The book sale features over 35 genres of gently used books, including many current bestsellers, as well as puzzles, video games, and other items donated by the community. On the final day of the sale, shoppers can fill a bag with books for just $5. All proceeds from the event go directly back into supporting the Towson library, with recent funds used to purchase new furniture and decor for the children's and teen areas.

  • The book sale runs from Wednesday, April 15 to Saturday, April 18.
  • On Wednesday and Thursday, the sale is open from 12 PM to 7 PM.
  • On Friday, the sale is open from 9 AM to 4 PM.
  • On Saturday, the sale is open from 10 AM to 2 PM, with a special 'fill a bag for $5' deal on remaining books.

The players

Friends of Towson Library

A volunteer group that organizes the annual book sale to raise funds for the Towson branch of the Baltimore County Public Library system.

Baltimore County Public Library

The local public library system that operates the Towson branch, where the book sale is held.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of people sometimes ask us, they'll say, 'Oh, are these library books?' No, these are actually gently used books from people in the community.”

— Emily Williamson, Baltimore County Public Library

“Last year they really focused on getting new furniture for the children and the tweens area. So if you've been in there recently, you've seen it. It's really easy to like wipe down and it's fun and it's inviting.”

— Emily Williamson, Baltimore County Public Library

What’s next

The Friends of Towson Library are hoping to exceed the $25,000 they raised at last year's book sale, with the funds going towards further improvements and programming at the Towson branch.

The takeaway

The Towson Library Book Sale is a beloved community tradition that provides an opportunity for local residents to discover new reads at deeply discounted prices while also supporting the ongoing efforts to enhance their neighborhood library.