Ottumwa Stories: Books for a Better Community

Published September 2, 2024

For over a decade, Pages for Pennies has been more than just a book sale - it's been a chance for three organizations to make a meaningful impact in the community.

What is Pages for Pennies?

Pages for Pennies is a three-day sale where you can find great deals on donated books, board games, puzzles, music, and more - all priced at around $2 or less. Hosted at the Bridge View Center, the sale attracts eager attendees who quite literally line up down the hall for a chance to peruse thousands of authors from a dozen genres and snag a fantastic deal.

Donations?

Pages relies on the community to succeed. Since it's a used book sale, the organizers need donations to make it possible. Donations are welcome for one month leading up to the event. Simply place your items in the carts located in the Bridge View Center lobby during regular business hours. All you have to do is ensure that your donations are in good condition—books should be intact, and games, puzzles, and DVDs should be undamaged. Items not meeting these criteria will not be accepted. If you have books to donate, please bring them in by September 20.

Who Benefits From the Sale?

The Pages for Pennies sale is organized by three groups: Friends of the Ottumwa Public Library, Meet Ottumwa, and Bridge View Center. Together with a team of dedicated volunteers, these organizations manage the planning, logistics, and execution of the sale. Following the event, the profits are equally divided among the three groups, with each using their portion to fund operational costs, promotions, and programming for the following year.

How Does it Help the Community?

Pages for Pennies helps the community by offering books, movies, games, and more at affordable prices. This initiative helps families who might otherwise find it challenging to access such resources. It also aids local educators by providing cost-effective books for classrooms and helps area libraries update their collections. Additionally, the event organizers contribute to community improvement by bringing in touring shows and musical acts, promoting local tourism, and offering educational programs and free information resources for people of all ages.

The second Pages for Pennies sale of 2024 will be held at Bridge View Center from September 27-29. Join us Friday from 12-8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Going forward, the sale will occur annually each September. We look forward to seeing you there!