Sunday, April 3, 2011

the dangers of visiting fetes late in the day...

Do you ever visit fetes late in the day? When the stall holders announce "fill up a box/bag for $5, no, $2, no, just take it all, it's free..."?

Last Sunday, I did just that - and walked away with a box of 60+ books (because in announcing they were free, they mentioned that leftover books were thrown out because op-shops have refused them in the past! Seriously, that is sad). I did make a donation, because it seemed wrong not to.


I think I well and truly got my money's worth.

Some books have already been delivered to an op-shop (I'm delivering little bundles in the hope that it will increase their chances of being accepted). Others - new or practically new - have been stashed away to give to family and friends. Others we will be "auditioning" and treating almost like library books - try them out for a few weeks, and if we don't absolutely love them, we'll give them away.


Some will most definitely be staying with us - a Tove Jansson book (thank you, MMMC for the introduction to her work), a cat book that I remember from school, and a 1950 edition of Just So Stories (and a few others, but I thought you might get bored with picture after picture of books!).

I think our home is turning into a library... but perhaps that's not such a bad thing.

I'm sure Sophie would agree (and if you visit her later, I'm sure you'll see some lovely finds!)

14 comments:

Wendy said...

Well done! I really must try and track down a fete like that...enjoy your haul!

Makeminemidcentury said...

That is brilliant!! I spotted the Tove Jannsson book straight away, as well as the Just So Stories!!

Fabulous! I'm seriously thrilled you scored some wonderful books. That Moomin book looks like a cracker!! I'm so happy you picked that up. I love Tove!

YAY for the Pencils and Pins family!!

Vic said...

Well now free is the best bargain ever - but oppies refusing books? I don't think I like that at all. Bratz dolls yes, but books?!

JeTaimeVintage said...

So jealous of your Kipling book! What a fantastic find-thats karma for donating, well done! I grew up reading those so bringing back memories!

Tas said...

Can never have too many books ;)

Anonymous said...

i'm like you i couldn't resist them either!!

NessaKnits said...

I got a pile of books like this at a school fete last year, where the teachers assured me if I didn't take them, they were going in the skip bin.

ladychiara said...

I can't believe anyone would throw books in the bin. *gasp You did very well, gotta love those old children's books. I remember Cat on the mat too.
Enjoy your treasures!

Cate said...

love kipling!! If Meerkat had been a boy kipling was going to be the middle name!!
Also spotted some little golden books in the pile there - love!!
nice haul - you really a shocker though aren't you (remember last years' reverse finds??)
xxxCate

teddybearswednesday said...

Never too many books, and would never get bored of Picture after picture of books. xo

sue said...

Those are beauties - it is so much fun to sift through a big pile of books isn't it?

Bungalowgirl said...

Old kids books are the best, I especially love the politically incorrect ones. You certainly did well. We found a Doctor Dolittle second hand today and it was fab. Keep your eyes out for Richard Scarry's they are the best.

nadine paduart said...

never a bad thing, creating libraries, and libraries, and ...
n♥

becclebee said...

i too have succumbed to the end-of-fete bargains... its soo hard not to! it does look like you got a great pile of books there. at least this way they will get a final chance at another life.

and i too love re-reading children's books that i remember from school. whenever i go to my mum's place, i always spend an afternoon distracted flicking through old our books. they hold precious memories, or even just the feel of being young and being read to and bring loved.

may these books bring the same feel for your little one! maybe one day, she'll be at a fete and so the same!