Written by Annie DiMario, Anderson Township Library Association Volunteer
Cincinnati is rich in literary history and has one of the most robust library systems in the country. What Cincinnatians may not know is that twice a year, a CHPL-affiliated organization hosts one of the largest book sales in the region.
The Anderson Township Library Association (ATLA) was founded almost 50 years ago to support the Anderson and Mt. Washington branch libraries. Staffed entirely by volunteers who meet weekly year-round to sort donations for the sales, ATLA funds special programs for library branches, donating $50,000 in 2025 alone — all proceeds from the enormous book sales held in June and November.
The larger sale runs this coming weekend, June 19-21, at Nagel Middle School in Anderson Township. The sale features over 50,000 gently used books across all categories, CDs/DVDs, puzzles and games, and collectibles, with almost everything priced between $1-$5.
We sat down to talk with Judy Gudelsky, a longtime ATLA Board member and head of the children’s book section at the sale, to learn more about what to expect this weekend.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about what you do for ATLA?
I joined the children's sorting team about six years ago. In addition to the weekly sorting, pricing, and boxing, I set up the schedules for the June and November sales. I have been a board member for several years and was recently elected to the vice-president position.
Can you tell us a bit about what is available at the sale and how it is set up?
Anyone attending this sale for the first time will be blown away by the quantity, quality, prices and types of materials we have available. Located at Nagel Middle School, the children's department is set up in the foyer space as you enter the side door. The cafetorium is jam-packed with adult novels and nonfiction books on a multitude of topics including history and politics, gardening, crafts, biographies and autobiographies, art books, cooking, sports, health, poetry and plays, performing arts, and even small items that are perfect as gifts. In addition, customers will find sheet music, games, puzzles, CDs, DVDs, and more. Come prepared to give yourself lots of browsing time!
How does ATLA prepare for the sale every year?
For the most part, the books that are for sale have been donated to us by residents that live in the community. These may come from couples who are downsizing; parents winnowing out children's books; and best-sellers that have been read and can now be passed on. We also get materials donated by teachers when they retire. In addition, the libraries periodically "cull" their selections, and we will receive books they've eliminated from their shelves.
In addition to your role on ATLA's board, you are also in charge of the children's book section, which is our largest at the sale. Can you tell us a bit about how you became involved and what it is like heading that up?
A since-retired children's team member (Florence Thompson) attended my church and would sign me up to work during the book sales. She urged me to consider ATLA when I retired and that is what I did! Needless to say, Flo insisted that I join her children's team! And when Flo retired, I ended up taking her position in charge of children's.
I love children's books and I have a wonderful team of children’s book lovers! It's not unusual for us to exclaim and share beautifully illustrated books that we come across, recite poetry when children's poetry books come through, or burst into songs we sang to our own children! Several years ago, when a board member unexpectedly had to resign before her term was up, I was asked to step in.
What is your favorite thing about the sale?
I LOVE watching children come to our section hunting for that perfect book. They might be passionate about dinosaurs, unicorns, cats, or baseball players. They are so excited when they can find new books in a series that they love. Expecting parents can fill their nurseries with beautiful classics and newer, equally exciting books for their new baby. (In fact, I'm guilty of periodically mailing my favorites to my nephew who has two small boys.) Children will plop right down on the floor when they find great books and immediately begin to read them.
Do you have any advice for people coming to the sale?
My best advice: Give yourself lots of time to browse! There is so much to see. You will be amazed at what you find and the prices are fantastic.
The ATLA Summer Book Sale runs June 19-21, 2026, at Nagel Middle School, 1500 Nagel Road, Cincinnati, Oh 45255. Sale hours are Friday 10 a.m.- 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday noon-3 p.m. Sunday is Box Day, when patrons can fill a box for $25 (boxes provided). Cash, checks, credit cards, and Apple Pay are all accepted. Parking is free on site.The site is accessible, and volunteers are available to help customers to their cars, if needed.
Follow ATLA for year-round updates on our sales:
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