Bargain hunters found many treasures recently during the Tri-Annual Book Sale at PAWS, Humane Indiana’s Resale Shoppe.
Thousands of adult and children’s’ books, CDs, and DVDs were neatly displayed on dozens of long tables. Decorations for various holidays also were lined up on bookcases and shelves.
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“I enjoy searching for children’s books for my students,” said Griffith teacher, Alejandra Tellez, as she looked through bins by the entrance door. “We do have our own library, but I always find some unique ones that I know they will enjoy.”
Tellez’s mother Cathy Tellez accompanied her daughter on the trip, hunting for items to add to her home library.
“I pick up anything that catches my eye,” she said, as she browsed through a section of mysteries and novels. “With so many bookstores closed, these sales are a terrific opportunity to shop for what we like.”
Hundreds of other visitors to the sale agreed.
Diondre Backus of Highland also considers herself an enthusiastic reader.
“I always take home some interesting finds when I shop these sales,” she said. “I recently took up cooking again, so today cookbooks are on my list.”
Speaking of lists, the Harris family of Hammond found three of their sisters searching for items for a neighborhood fundraiser.
“Each of us is putting together a basket with assorted items,” said Jenny Harris. “I’m in charge of the kitchen basket, so I’m searching for books to show how to make snacks and appetizers with the gadgets I found.”
During the first day of the sale, PAWS cashier Alexis Roe was busily stocking an adjoining room with holiday decorations. Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter were represented.
“I never saw a sale that was so complete as this one,” said Allie Jenkins of Highland, as she perused the bounty of Valentine’s Day décor. “I didn’t expect to be taking home anything but books, but there’s so much here.”
Cristal Lopez of Burnham, Ill., regularly shops at PAWS Resale Shop and always donates books for the sales. She also comes back each year to find more of the books she will donate once she’s read them.
This year was no exception.
“I’m an avid reader and I like a variety of books,” Lopez said. “You name it, I’ll take a look at it.”
It’s getting harder and harder to find good books at decent prices, according to repeat book sale customer Susan Demetrious of Munster.
“My friends and I used to visit the bookstores at the mall; it was a great past time,” she said. “Now, there’s not much selection in retail stores, so the neighborhood book sales are a fun and cost-effective alternative.”
Formerly named Humane Society of the Calumet Area, Humane Indiana holds three Book Sale fundraisers at their PAWS Resale Shoppe each year. All proceeds benefit the organization’s shelter in Munster. For more information about Humane Indiana and their mission, visit www.humaneindiana.org.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter at the Post-Tribune.