T he annual Benton House Book Sale will be held July 24-26 on the grounds of the historic Benton House. The hours are 4-7 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, and from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 26 ($5 bag sale day). There is no admission charge for the sale. The Benton House is located at 312 S. Downey Ave. in Irvington.
The sale is a culmination of months of hard work by volunteers in the community who donate, haul, sort, and set up thousands of books under an enormous tent donated by long-time east side business Montgomery Tent & Awning Co. Book drops have been in place since mid-May at several Irvington businesses, including Wyliepalooza, Snips, Black Sheep, Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza, Dufour’s and Indy Cycle Specialists.
As one of the larger book sales in the Indianapolis area, with perhaps 5,000 books to browse through, the sale draws bookworms from all over. Prices range from $1 for paperbacks to $2 for hardcovers, and children’s books are at a special low price, 2 for $1. 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 — you may be surprised at what treasures are buried in the stacks.
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.
