Every library is unique, but they share many of the same problems.
Many libraries are caught between a rock and hard place today. Technology is changing rapidly. Budgets are pressured. Volunteer support is shrinking. Scrutiny has increased in a wired world.
What is the heart of the library materials management problem? Books and media culled from collections, to make way for new materials in a limited-space environment, pile up. Physical collections shrink as computer terminals require more space or as branches close. More books and media pile up. Only some materials donated by patrons may be integrated back into collections, so those pile up too.
Book sale are great ways to connect with and give back to the library's local patrons. They're often strong fundraisers too, but they require a lot of work! With reduced hours and staff budgets and shrinking volunteer bases, libraries and their Foundations and their Friends of the Libraries often need help... help to manage the stream of unused materials.