You Like Books? I Got Books.

August 29th, 2009 in member junk     
Junk_Sophisticate Candy Allen, contributor
3 users recommend

The sweetest elderly woman came to the door and explained shed stored the old books for years for a friend until his passing earlier this year.  Unfortunately, she didnt know what to do with them and was thrilled that I stopped by and rescued them from her garbage. 
She even had her adult son help me load them into my car.  My plan is to select the books Id like to save for personal use or resale, and donate the rest to my local Friends of the Library for their book sale.       
You cant see from the photo, but there are amazing old school books including mathematics and trigonometry, books on religion and also childrens books.  Some from the late 19th century and many early 20th century.
Just an FYI. When hauling old books, make sure you remove them from your car IMMEDIATELY.  I left them in my car for three days and realized the strong scent of vintage was in the air. Sniff, sniff, yuck!  It took a good cleaning and airing out for two days straight before the odor was gone.   
Old books that appear to have a rusty patina are a favorite gift of junkers.  (Just a few old books included in my new stash). 
One of my favorite finds in the pile was a book from 1955 titled Your Childs World, The Specific Approach to Daily Problems.  Lets just say some of the problems of the 50s were a lot different than from the 21st century. 
The sweetest elderly woman came to the door and explained shed stored the old books for years for a friend until his passing earlier this year.  Unfortunately, she didnt know what to do with them and was thrilled that I stopped by and rescued them from her garbage. 
She even had her adult son help me load them into my car.  My plan is to select the books Id like to save for personal use or resale, and donate the rest to my local Friends of the Library for their book sale.       

The sweetest elderly woman came to the door and explained she'd stored the old books for years for a friend until his passing earlier this year.  Unfortunately, she didn't know what to do with them and was thrilled that I stopped by and rescued them from her garbage. 

She even had her adult son help me load them into my car.  My plan is to select the books I'd like to save for personal use or resale, and donate the rest to my local "Friends of the Library" for their book sale.       


I wanted to share my awesome trash picking story with all of you.  While running errands recently, I came across a glorious pile of old books neatly stacked on the roadside tied up with strings (these are a few of my favorite things!)  Knowing that this particular city requires permission from the "trash's" owner, before you can take, I decided to go knocking...  


Pattern or design used: My own design - www.junksophisticate.com
posted in: member junk, seasonal, centerpiece, house wear, frame, table, shelf

Comments (13)

itsnotjunk2me writes: Candy,
I too love old books, I especially loved the excerpt out of the 1955 "daily problems" book. It made me chuckle..."If you were Robert's parents, what would you do?" Anyone care to share their answer?!

It sure would be nice if that was the biggest problem we had to deal with in today's world! Looking forward to seeing your projects that will come from this "haul of books"

I have yet to post on this website---- but I sure do get mega inspiration!! Thanks to contributors like you. :) Posted: 4:56 pm on September 3rd
creativejunquer writes: Oh wow what a gret find...... I love finding stuff on the road like a drive through window......... just pick up and go. Can't wait to see what you do with the books you keep:) Posted: 9:37 am on September 1st
airzinnn writes: WOW! Looks like a dream come true! I love books... particularly the older ones or leather bound ones. Our den is kind-of a library and I love adding to it! You're one lucky girl! Posted: 5:57 pm on August 31st
RustyDiva writes: I see many projects in your future Candy! Awesome score!!!!! Can't wait to see what all you come up with after playing.
Kenda Posted: 10:01 am on August 31st
jillruth writes: I love old books---you are very fortunate!!!! Posted: 8:40 am on August 31st
Junk_Sophisticate writes: I can actually say I'd never seen books on the side of the road either...I almost couldn't believe it!

Shamrockerin - As soon as I sort out the books I will know better what I'm doing for resale. I will definitely let you know. Thanks!

Geo - Hehe. I think there are some that beg to differ with you statement, however, you made me smile. Thank you. :)

I might try some Suzy Q ideas from her Projects from the Pages of a Book post. http://www.junkmarketstyle.com/item/13656/projects-from-the-pages-of-a-book
I also loved Laurel's suggestion of making a shelf out of some. Very cute!

Thanks all! I'll keep you posted.
Candy Posted: 8:59 am on August 30th
junkermidge writes: Like Georgia, I have NEVER seen books on the side of the road. That haul is amazing and I'm so excited to see what you come up with. Way to go, Candy!
Midge Posted: 8:29 pm on August 29th
chippingcharm writes: Oh fun...I can't wait to see what you do with these! I love collecting and decorating with old books too. Have you seen any of those cute shelves made with L brackets and a small stack of books? Too cute and EASY...
(I met a lady who had them in a fun booth at an antique store in Alexandria, MN. She said she looks at JMS...but hasn't posted yet. Are you out there??? If so please join the fun! :)
Enjoy your great rescue Candy! Laurel Posted: 8:02 pm on August 29th
lutrell writes: i love old books i find them at thrift stores. some time i use them in a project. Posted: 5:14 pm on August 29th
oldnews writes: OH WOW! That is a haul and a half! I'd love to stumble on something like that on the side of the road! I think right now old books are SO popular because there are SO many things you can do with them! Lucky you!! I hope you show us some of the end results! Marie Posted: 1:12 pm on August 29th
shamrockerin writes: I collect old children's books and old text books! If you decide to sell some, PLEASE let me know! :)

What a GREAT find for you! Posted: 11:30 am on August 29th
georgiamoon writes: I Love old books. I can never seem to resist them either but I have never seen them on the side of the road before. I am sure if I had, there would be a great screeching of brakes and a quick pile of them in my truck! love the old ones about child rearing...you can get in trouble these days if you follow the advice in them. BTW there is no such thing as "Too much Candy" and I'm talking about YOU, not the other stuff! Love your rescue, Georgia Posted: 9:44 am on August 29th
shabbychick writes: Candy - you hit the "mother lode" didn't you?? And, what a great idea to donate the ones you don't want/need!

I'm sure they were SO happy to help you - and as you drove away they're saying "what's she gonna do with all those things??". (I'm sure people have said that about me before too...ha ha!)

So, no doubt we'll see a fabulous book display and/or project in the near future, and you're building your inventory to make some $$$ - smart girl!! :)

Great curb stop my friend!!

Kathy Posted: 9:08 am on August 29th
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