It comes but once a year and that time is nearly here: the Friends of Guilford Free Library (GFL) Annual Book Sale from Sept. 28 to 30. This will be 31st year for the three-day event, a major fundraiser for the library.

The sale fills the grounds around the library and draws hundreds of book lovers by the hour, there to snap up great deals on thousands of gently used books of all genres. Each book has first been checked for quality, then sorted by genre, by a small army of GFL Friends volunteers. The volunteers work year-round to ready the inventory, which is sold at rock-bottom prices.

"Bookworms, students, little kids, and even folks who are just eager to stock their new bookcases will have a field day," said Book Sale publicity volunteer Gitta Morris.

Tables overflowing with books will be available to peruse beginning Friday, Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., continuing on Saturday, Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 30, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday's hours include the Friend's famed homemade baked goods sale (while supplies last).

It's impossible to describe the array of genres that will be available for sale, but Morris said there will be the usual "terrific selection."

"Current and older fiction including mysteries will be available, as will biography, criticism, and poetry. Art lovers, history buffs, cooks, gardeners, and others with special interests will also find plenty to choose from, many suitable for gift-giving," she noted.

This year's sale includes a surplus of books about music and also a good supply of sheet music and CDs. Morris said the Friends also received "an outstanding assortment of children's books in Spanish, French, and other languages" this year, as well as a large collection of poetry and fiction books and children's picture books and pop-up books. Puzzles and games will also be available to purchase.

All of the books and other items readied by the Friends for the book sale have been contributed by donors-mainly Guilford residents-who've loyally dropped off their donations at the library in the months since last year's sale.

In addition to the festive feel that always punctuates the book sale, the remarkable prices make this a trip worth taking. Except for some very special volumes (each priced individually), most books are between $1 to $4; while paperbacks (set aside in a front courtyard tent) are 50 cents each. And, just when it seems like the prices can't get any lower, on Sunday, all books will be marked half-price.

Thanks to thousands of hours contributed all year by Friends volunteers, combined with inventory donated by so many considerate community members, this annual event generates thousands of dollars to benefit library events, materials, programs, and other needs supported by Friends of GFL.

The 31st annual Friends of GFL Book Sale is Sept. 28 to 30 at the library, 67 Park Street, rain or shine. Hours are Friday, Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 203-453-8282.