When looking for used books, most people go to the few stores in Sacramento that have “used books” in the name. The only other option is to borrow them from someone or check them out of the library.

There is another way to get those oddball books that no one else has.

The Friends of the CSUS Library, a support group dedicated to raising money for supplies, materials and services for the library, holds a book sale on the lower level of the library six days out of every month.

However, this is not the only time when students may find books on the lower level. Just outside the Book Bin cage, where all of the books available on the days of the book sale are stored, there are three large shelves.

These shelves are stacked front and back with used paperback and some hardback books. There is no set price on these books; just drop a donation in the box on the door of the cage for what you think the book is worth.

On the days of the book sale, books in the Book Bin go for a very reasonable $2 for hardback books and between $1 and $2 for paperback books. There is even a deal where, if you buy three hardcover books, they only cost $5 instead of $6.

Those prices aren’t bad considering that a new hardback costs around $25 and a new paperback costs around $7.

“The prices are good,” said Nathan Berger, a junior history major. “However, the books that they have aren’t really what I like.”

While there might not be books in the Book Bin to suit every student’s interests at any one time, students should check back every now and then as the books change.

The Book Bin also has used books on many academic subjects, such as philosophy and economics, according to the Friends Web site.

“I try to make it down here every week,” said Jinley Hart, a parent of a Sacramento State student, as she browsed the shelves. “You never know what you might find down here.”

Hart left with a stack of about five hardcover books which only cost her a total of $9.The book sale lasts from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of each month. They do not close for the summer or winter breaks, operating all year long to try and raise money to help the library.

The Friends are always looking for volunteers and donations of books or money.

For more information on the Friends of the CSUS Library, visit their Web site at library.csus.edu and click on the “friends” link.

Jenna Hughes can be reached at [email protected]