Twice a year, the Recreation Center evolves into a readers’ and bargain shoppers’ paradise, as the Friends of the Library arrange thousands of affordable hardback and paperback books for the semi-annual sale.

The book sale will take place this weekend, benefitting children and adult patrons at the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library with new equipment, supplies and infrastructure upgrades at the library.

“This year, we helped put down a new floor in the meeting room, and helped pay for new drapes,” Book Sale Chair Lilo Duncan said. “We also give money for the children’s program and purchased a computer for the children.”

Hardback books cost only $1, and paperbacks cost 50 cents.

“The whole community donates books to the sale, and believe me we’ve got em,” Duncan said. “We will need more books after the sale, but we have so many right now that we don’t have a place to put them.”

Last Fall, Duncan said the sale generated more revenues than ever before, at $4,000.

The sale will take place at the Rec Center at 300 W. Mill St. from 6-8 p.m. Thursday for members, but said anyone can become a member for $10. The sale on Friday and Saturday will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the public.

Books span most genres, and Duncan said they have something for everyone.