By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

Amongst the throngs of book lovers stood Michael Winchell silently reading a copy of “Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist.” He only moved to turn a page, but the 11-year-old appeared to have gotten quite far in his reading while his mother, Denise, searched for books at the Rowan Public Library book sale.

It was the first time at the book sale for the pair, but Denise, who home-schools Michael, routinely checks similar book sales to find items on his curriculum for the upcoming year. Denise teaches her son from the Build Your Library curriculum, which she says places emphasis on older children’s literature. She hoped to find many of the books on her list at the Friday sale.

She was looking for specific books, but said she throws in a few “fun” books for Michael to read. He said he enjoys reading the “Franny K. Stein” series.

The Winchells are from Cabarrus County and say they haven’t found book sales like this in their area. Denise heard about the book sale through the website www.booksale.com where she receives emails about book sales in her area.

The sale continues from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the main branch, 201 W. Fisher St. There will be no sale on Sunday.

Organizers say this year is one of the biggest sales ever, with nearly 20,000 books inside the Stanback Auditorium. There’s a large selection of fiction, nonfiction and children’s books available for purchase. There are also withdrawn library books, DVDs, CDs and other items. Most of the items are priced for $2 or less.

Joseph Domago and his wife, Kay, were at the sale on Friday to find books for their granddaughters, whose ages range from 11 to 15.

The girls gave their grandparents a list of authors, and the the couple aimed to find the books that fit the list, Joseph Domago said.

The Domagos planned to return to the sale today to load up on books for themselves that Joseph said they’ll read all summer and winter.

What drew the Salisbury couple to the book sale? The price, Joseph said, and the fact that they read a lot.

Pyar Christie, 7, of Chicago, was at the sale with her mother, siblings and aunt while on a road trip. The group, including Pyar’s mother, Lisa, were collecting a number of books among them.

Pyar picked up a number of books including her favorite, “Charlotte’s Web.”

Lisa said in Chicago there aren’t that many book sales with as many books as she found on Friday.

“We have them, but not with the same quantity,” she said.

Lynn Spratt has been attending the book sale for the past two years and usually is looking for two types of books — sewing and cooking.

She’s been sewing for 15 years, but recently became interested in re-fashioning clothes. She hoped to find some books with ideas.

“I like the prices and the variety of books,” Spratt said.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.