Oh, I just want what we all want: a comfortable couch, a nice beverage, a weekend of no distractions and a book that will stop time, lift me out of my quotidian existence and alter my thinking forever. — Elizabeth Gilbert, American novelist
For many years, the Historic Benton House Book Sale has been the place to pick up some great book bargains while supporting an east side historic landmark.
The sale will be held July 25 from 4-7 p.m, July 26 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and July 27 from noon-4 p.m. at the Benton House, 312 S. Downey Ave. A huge tent, erected by Montgomery Tent & Awning Company, will be filled with boxes and tables of book of all kinds donated over the course of the past few months by the community. Prices range from $1 for paperbacks to $2 for hardcovers, and children’s books are at a special low price. On Sunday, you can buy a bag of books at low prices as volunteers look to clear the shelves.
Kids especially love the tables full of books just for them, which they can buy with their allowance money. Look for a big selection of history, biographies, popular fiction, classics, and cookbooks. The Benton House Book Sale is one of those places where book lovers come to find hidden treasures — a couple of years ago I found a rare science fiction double novel in hardcover for a buck!
Books are donated to the sale throughout the spring at local businesses and collected, sorted, and moved by volunteers. During the sale, volunteers help with organization and check out. There are usually a couple of folks who can help tote your purchases out to the car. Donations to the Benton House are also welcome on sale days.
Proceeds from the sale benefit the Benton House, a Second Empire home built in 1873. It was the home of Allen R. Benton, twice president of Butler University.
The Irvington Historic Landmarks Foundation was founded in 1966 to purchase and restore the Benton House; in 1969, the Benton House Association was formed to maintain the house and promote it as a destination for small events. The Benton House is surrounded by historic gardens lovingly maintained by the Irvington Garden Club, and has been the site for many weddings, showers, reunions, and other celebrations.
Special tours can be arranged by calling 357-0318 or 353-1210. The Web site is www.thebentonhouse.org.
