Donate and Buy Used Books at the Book End

Did you know that there is a used book store on the second floor of the Iowa City Public Library? The Book End, one of Iowa City’s best kept secrets, sells gently used fiction, general nonfiction, cookbooks, poetry, history, biographies, young adult and children’s books, as well as puzzles, vinyl records, DVDs and audiobooks on CD. Keep an eye out for book bundles including eight or more copies of the same book for only $5 to $10, perfect for local book clubs looking to stock up. The Book End also supports The Book Nook on the first floor — a pay-what-you-can display open during Library hours and a great way to replenish your Little Free Library or home library.  

The materials available at The Book End include donations from the public and discards from the Library. The Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation enriches our community by distributing donations to local fundraisers, complimentary gift certificates as prizes for school fairs, and other partnerships that increase access and literacy. Any materials sold at The Book End, The Book Nook, or through our annual book sales benefit the Library and help the ICPL Friends Foundation grant funds in support of Library collections, staff learning, technology upgrades, and free public programs. Recently, The Book End added ICPLbranded totes, tees, baby onesies and stickers to our inventory so that you can promote your love of the Library wherever you go!  

Check out supporticpl.org/book-sales to learn more about donation guidelines, upcoming book sales, store hours and more! 

This article appeared in the Winter 2023 edition of The Window. View the full issue at www.icpl.org/sites/default/files/window/Winter%20Window_2023_Web.pdf