Book sales and Book events for Literary Lovers

Bookworms, unite! If you live for libraries, collect more books than you’ll every read, or dabble in writing yourself, you probably LOVE literary events and book sales.

From book clubs, author talks, workshops, literary festivals, and the ever-popular book sales, you cannot get enough of the written word.

Reading isn’t just a solitary event – it connects people: the author to the reader, the reader to the characters, and like-minded readers to each other. There are so many events in Columbus that are perfect for literary lovers.

Whether you want to be social, or prefer to keep to yourself, check out some of these activities and upcoming events!

Ohio Literary Trail

Book lovers can go on an adventure trail across Ohio with the Ohio Literary Trail. Created by the Ohioana Library Association, the Literary Trail spotlight’s Ohio’s role in shaping culture and literature worldwide.

There are more than 70 sites to visit across 5 regions of the state. It’s a great way to explore new parts of the state, and hidden gems in your area.

Thurber House

A must-stop for readers, writers, and more in Columbus. Visit the living museum and restored 1873 home of humorist, cartoonist, author, playwright, and journalist James Thurber, take workshops, and more. Find details and programming here.

Thurber House Spooky events and Writing Programs

Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum

Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum on The Ohio State University campus holds the world’s largest collection of materials related to comics and cartoons. 

Open to the public and admission is free. Please see website regarding closures for exhibition installations, parking, and more.

Author Talks and Visits

CML Carnegie Author Talks

Columbus Metropolitan brings national authors to you with The Carnegie Author Series Author Talks. Programs are free! See the 2024 programs here.

Carnegie Author Series with Columbus Metropolitan Library

Aldus Society Literary Talks

The Aldus Society is central Ohio’s connection for book lovers, hosting free literary events and author talks each month. Open to readers, book collectors, writers, and anyone who loves the printed word. Events are free and open to the public.

See upcoming events on the website or on reserve a spot on Eventbrite.

Aldus Society Literary Talks for book lovers

Literary Festivals

Beyond the Read Author Event 2025

June 19-22, 2025

5th Annual Beyond the Read Author Event. Meet 150 authors, narrators, and vendors! Admission starts at $10. Details. 

Hilton Columbus/Polaris, 8700 Lyra Drive Columbus, OH 43240

Columbus Book Festival 

TBA 2025 in the Discovery District

You’ll enjoy national and local authors, exhibitors, food vendors, entertainment and more. The festival will showcase Columbus Metropolitan Library’s historic Main Library, the adjacent Kaufman Plaza and Topiary Garden Park. More details here. 

The Columbus Book Festival in Discovery District

Mid-Ohio Indie Author Book Expo

Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 12 PM – 4:30 PM

The Mid-Ohio Indie Author Book Expo is an opportunity for readers to mix and mingle with some amazing self-published and independently published authors. Meet indie authors from different genres, from inspirational romance to graphic novels.

There is something for everyone, including fabulous door prizes, food vendors, and more. Kids are welcome – there are activities for them, as well as a reading corner. Parking and admission is FREE. Details on the website.

Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival

tba 2025 from 1 pm – 4 pm at Java Central Cafe’ and Roaster

Read to Lead/Write to Enlight is a concept about the natural process of allowing reading and writing to become a part of your daily activities and supporting authors, whether they are local, out-of-state, or from another country. 

The event will be geared toward spotlighting 7-10 local authors, with the potential to also include 1-3 authors from other states. Authors will have the ability to sell their work, talk with attendees, and get the community engaged in reading, writing, and literacy activities. Authors and illustrators can visit MelicaNiccole or Eventbrite to find out more details about the event. 

Java Central Cafe’ and Roaster, 20 S. State Street Suite B Westerville, OH 43081

Free books for kids with The Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library

Library Branches and Book Sales

There are SO, SO, SO many activities and events available through our amazing local library systems! From book clubs, arts/crafts, senior events, workshops, movie nights, and more, you can always find something fun to do at the library for all ages.

The branches offer Summer Reading programs for all ages, and many offer Winter Reading program as well!

Check out the book sales to enjoy “new to you” books at a low price! Sales are often held in the spring and fall, so if you don’t see updated info, check the link for the next sale.

Columbus Metropolitan Library Systems Big Book Sale

March 14-17 2024
July 12-14, 2024 with the bag sale on July 16 from 10 am – 5 pm 
October 24-27, 2024, with the clearance sale on Sunday from 1-4 pm.
Read about it here.

Marysville Public Library

Friends of the Library Book Sale
March 23-24, 2024 – Saturday, 9 am – 4:30 pm, Sunday 1 pm – 4:30 pm
October 26-30, 2024 

See calendar for updates.

Pickerington Public Library Friends of the Library Book Sale

Spring Book Sale: April 10 – April 14, 2024
Pop-Up Children’s Book Sale: June 7-8, 2024
Fall Book Sale: October 30 – November 3, 2024

Read more here

Worthington Libraries

Books are available for sale at all Worthington library locations. Displays are located in the lobby area of both Old Worthington Library and Northwest Library and to the right of Worthington Park Library’s entrance.

Friends also holds special sales four or five times a year at Old Worthington Library on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. A members-only preview sale is held on Thursday, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Books and other materials during Sunday’s sales are even discounted. Read more here. 

February 10-18, 2024
May 17-19, 2024
August 15-18, 2024
October 31-November 3, 2024

Granville Public Library

Book Sale a La Carte: February 24, 2024
Plant Swap: April tba. Details here.
Fall Book Sale a la Carte: October 19, 2024

Licking County Library System

Spring Book Sale: April 19-20
Summer Reading Challenge: June-July
Summer Book Sale: tba from 9 am – 3 pm. Books are sold for $5 per bag and are distributed at the door. Beginning at 12pm, all bags go on clearance and are sold for $1.00. Join Friends of the Library, and shop early on August 25 from 3:30-5:30.
Friends of the Mary E. Babcock Library: October 24-26 at Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock)

Details here.

Friends of the Upper Arlington Library Book Sale

Friends of the UA Library offer 4 general sales per year and occasionally a more focused sale such as media- DVD, CD, vinyl etc.
2800 Tremont Rd Upper Arlington 43221. Details here.

• February 4th – 18th
• May 5th – 19th
• August 11th – 25th
• November 3rd – 17th

Friends MEMBER ONLY PRESALE on the first day of the sale (Sunday) from 11 am-1 PM. Membership applications are at the Friends page of the Library’s website or the Friends desk at Tremont. Members fill a provided bag for just $5.

Regular library hours are Monday–Thursday 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m.–5 p.m. Sale closes 15 minutes before library. New items are put out based on donations received during the sale. They will not be sorted into categories but will be put in one location with a “New Arrivals” sign.

Fun and free events for all ages at Upper Arlington Public Library

Bexley Public Library

Friends of the Library Book Sale: April 18-21, 2024
April 18: from 5-7 pm is the Members Only Pre-Sale. You must be a current member of the Friends of Bexley Public Library, memberships may be purchased at the door or on their website at friendsbexlib.org. Sale opens to the public from 7-8 pm. Details here.

Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale: November 7-10, 2024
Thursday from 5-7 pm is the Members Only Pre-Sale. You must be a current member of the Friends of Bexley Public Library, memberships may be purchased at the door or on their website at friendsbexlib.org. Sale opens to the public from 7-8 pm.

Upcoming fun and book sales at Bexley Public Library

Delaware County District Libraries

The Friends of Delaware County District Libraries hosts multiple book sales and book events throughout the year. Stock up for each season!

Media (DVDs, CDs) are $1 or 6 for $5.
Books are $1 for childrens, $1 for paperbacks, $2 for hardbacks.
Purchase a Friends of DCDL bag and fill it with books for $25. Bring it back to future sales and refill it for $20. Friends of DCDL members get a discount on the bag purchase and refill prices.

See list of upcoming sales and events here. 

Delaware County District Library Friends Book Sales and events

Pataskala Public Library

In the back of the Library are shelves of books that have been discarded from the collection and are available for purchase at bargain prices. Check it out whenever you visit.

January 26-27, 2024

• Friday, January 26th: 10 AM – 5 PM.
• Saturday, January 27th: 10 AM – 2 PM. (With Bake Sale)

Fall Book Sale – Friday October 11 & Saturday October 12, 2024

• Friday, October 11th: Book Sale 10 AM – 5 PM
• Saturday, October 12th: Book and Bake Sale 10 AM – 2 PM.

All prices are donation. Cash or check only. All proceeds benefit the Friends of Pataskala Public Library.

Check the calendar to see if other book sales are scheduled.

Southwest Public Libraries

Book Sales: The Friends have an ongoing sale at both Grove City (in the Friends of the Library Book Sale Room) and at Westland (in the entrance lobby). Special sales are also held periodically.

September 18-19, 2024 Buy a tote bags for just $10 and fill it with as many books as you can carry!

Stay up-to-date with Friends sales and events through their website or Facebook page. 

Book Clubs

We aren’t including book clubs because there are so many, and it’s a lot to update and keep track of. If you know of a book club that is open to new members, please leave a comment with details for other readers to see.

Otherwise, most libraries, bookstores, and even some museums have book clubs open to the public.

Upcoming book sales, book festivals, and other literary events

Fun and free events for all ages at Upper Arlington Public Library