RANCHO SANTA FE — With so many brick and mortar bookstores forced to close its doors, Rancho Santa Fe’s Book Cellar remains a book lover’s hub. And its semi-annual sale, slated for May 2 and May 3, is always a much-anticipated two-day event since every item in the store is marked off 50 percent.
Majority of all the books housed in The Book Cellar are gently used.
“I often hear from customers how impressed they are with the diversity of books that we have and the amount of books that we have,” said Terry Weaver, manager at The Book Cellar.
Weaver was a Book Cellar patron for about 20 years before she became a volunteer in 2006.
Susan Appleby, Rancho Santa Fe Library Guild membership and development manager, explained that 100 percent of The Book Cellar sale proceeds go to the library guild in an effort to support its programs. And these monies are also part of the guild’s income budget.
The Book Cellar opened its doors in 1985.
The majority of book donations come from Rancho Santa Fe residents, but they also come from neighboring communities who want to support The Book Cellar.
Its recent indoor redesign has created a welcoming ambience.
“We have one lady, who comes in almost weekly and says, ‘You know, this is like my home away from home,’” said Weaver, noting how so many of their patrons feel the same way.
The categories of books at The Book Cellar mimic a fine traditional bookstore.
“Our number one selling books are paperback fiction with history, cooking, art, and architecture close behind,” said Weaver, noting how they even have a small section of foreign language books.
The Book Cellar’s semi-annual sale is a great opportunity to stock up on a home library, locate a great new find, or even an eye-catching coffee table book.
Near the entrance door of the bookstore, Weaver wants patrons to know of its new enclosed glass cabinets of books that are higher priced, and some, considered more collectible in nature.
While the volunteers help navigate patrons to the book categories they are in search for, they will also be happy to show patrons these encased items.
“One of our volunteers sells some of these books in our glass cases on Amazon,” Weaver said.
While the volunteers at The Book Cellar are getting their semi-annual half-price sale mailers ready, they are reminding future patrons that it’s not just books that are on sale.
“Other items on sale are books on tape, books on CD, and movie DVDs,” Weaver said. “We usually have a really good turnout.”
Weaver continually conveys her thanks to her dedicated volunteers. And Appleby agrees.
“We could not be more grateful to our volunteers for their time, contribution and effort,” Appleby said. She continued, “They are here because they love books and they love reading.”
For more information about the RSF Book Cellar semi-annual half-price sale May 2 and May 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or about volunteer opportunities, call (858) 759-8421. The Book Cellar is located at 17040 Avenida de Acacias in Rancho Santa Fe.
