One of the largest fundraisers for the historic Benton House in Irvington is the annual Book Sale, taking place this year Fri. July 20 from 5-8 p.m., Sat. July 21 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sun., July 22 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale will be used to support and maintain the 145 year old home, located at 312 S. Downey Ave. The book sale will be held in the parking lot of the Benton House. Cash, check and credit cards (a $1 extra donation for credit card sales) are acceptable payment.
Select from thousands of books, in every genre imaginable: history, biography, poetry, romances, science fiction, fantasy, bestsellers, obscure and rare books, and more are there for the avid reader. Hardback books are priced at $2, paperback books are priced at $1, and children’s books are priced at $0.50 and up. This is the place to find great deals and serious treasures.
The Benton House sale will also feature speciality books, audiovisual items and collectibles that will be individually priced. They are also featuring gently used items from the Benton House that are no longer needed, including Christmas wares, wrapping paper, glassware, lawn and garden equipment, and much more.
The late Rose Mary Clarke, our beloved Weekly View columnist, helped put the first Benton House book sales together and was instrumental in promoting it in Irvington and beyond. Bookworms from all over Indiana come to the sale looking for something special. A few years ago, I scored a rare J.G. Ballard double novel for only $2, an unusual travel book series, and several hard-to-find early works by notable authors. Get there on Friday night for the best selection. Co-owner Paula Nicewanger will be prowling the stacks looking for books for her grandchildren.
If you’re still looking to donate, the deadline for book donations is Mon., July 16 at one of the locations in Irvington: Jockamo’s, Black Sheep, The Mug, and at the Benton House itself (back door, weather permitting). After the 17th, please bring the books directly to the Benton House. Please, no encyclopedias!
Volunteers are needed to bring books up from the basement to the tent on July 18, and helpers are needed to form the “book brigade” that forms the chain from the tent to the basement! Volunteers will be paid in pizza, drinks, and desserts when the work is finished. To volunteer for the book sale (or at the Benton House’s many other events), e-mail booksale@thebentonhouse.org or message them on the Benton House Facebook page.
