LIVONIA, Mich. – Bookstock is back, and book lovers are already showing up in droves.
The annual used book sale returned to Laurel Park Place Mall in Livonia for its 22nd year, drawing crowds on its very first day. With hundreds of thousands of titles available — from romance to sci-fi — and some books priced as low as $1, the event has become a go-to destination for bargain hunters and bibliophiles alike. Proceeds from the sale benefit local literacy and education programs across the region.
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A family tradition
For many attendees, Bookstock isn’t just a sale — it’s a tradition.
“We have been coming as a family for 10 or 15 years now, a really long time,” said Sarah Shackleford, a shopper at the event. “I’m a big fan of like folklore and classical books so this is like a really good way to get them and not spend an arm and a leg.”
More than just books
Shoppers may be surprised to find that Bookstock offers more than just reading material. CDs and other media are also part of the mix — sparking plenty of nostalgia along the way.
Shackleford picked up a CD she had owned since her tween years. “I had this CD the day it came out when I was a tween and it was transformative,” she said. “So now I have a teen with me and I’m going to make her listen to it.”
Lifting up the community
The heart of Bookstock goes beyond the bargains. Organizers say the event is rooted in a mission to strengthen literacy in the region.
“Literacy rates are down and we all want to uplift our community and make sure that our children read,” said Carol Ogusky, a Bookstock leader. “That they know how to read and that they love to read.”
Volunteers power the sale
Behind the scenes, a massive volunteer effort keeps the event running. Organizers say the sale relies on the generosity of both donors and volunteers to make it all happen.
“We have as many as 600 volunteers,” Ogusky said. “They don’t all come at one time but if you add that up there’s a lot of people working on this sale.”
For six-year-old volunteer Aviva Jacobson, the motivation was simple. “I wanted to help other people,” she said.
Tamar Jacobson, another volunteer, said the enthusiasm from the crowd caught her off guard. “It was really exciting to see so many people excited about books,” she said. “I don’t think I was expecting that.”
Mark your calendar
Admission is free, and all are welcome. For a full list of dates, hours, and details, visit bookstockmi.org.