Literary classics, science fiction, mystery, poetry, romance and cooking books will be sold April 26 and 27 at Founders Memorial Library to raise money for library materials.

The sale is being held to raise funds for NIU libraries, and proceeds from the sale will be used to purchase library materials, including research materials and rare books, said Don Lanier, treasurer of Friends of NIU Libraries, an organization which is sponsoring the sale.

Money raised through the annual book sale supplements the money the library is allocated by the state, Lanier said. The Friends’ executive committee decides how the funds are spent, he said.

The book sale will be held in the library’s main lobby from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, said Humanities Librarian Sandra Naiman.

Hardcover books will sell for $1 and paperbacks for 50 cents, Lanier said. Books were donated by NIU faculty, students and the DeKalb community, Lanier said.

Namien said books still are needed for the sale and can be dropped off at the library information desk or at the loading dock behind the library through Friday. Lanier said book donations are welcome anytime during the year.

People who spend at least $5 at the sale are eligible to enter a drawing for an autographed copy of Lucien Stryk’s volume of poems, “Bells of Lombardy,” Lanier said. The book is illustrated by Richard Beard. Both are NIU faculty members, he said.

Friends was started in the early 1980’s and sponsors programs throughout the year, including bringing speakers to NIU, Lanier said. He said these programs are held to encourage reading and interest in libraries and also to promote learning.

The organization is a group of about 75 community people and NIU alumni and library staff who have a paid membership, Lanier said.

Last year’s book sale raised over $2,000 for new books for NIU’s libraries.