Thousands of used books, art objects, collectibles, stamps and coins will be on sale to the public for two weekends at the end of the month as the Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide celebrates its 43rd annual BOOKFAIR at the Department of State.
Mette Beecroft, chair and president emerita of the BOOKFAIR, explained that all proceeds from the sale will benefit academic scholarships at the college level. Each year the profits go to charity, including local charities and community service organizations, in the past.
Everything that is for sale at the fair has been donated.
"It's all donations," Beecroft said. "It's a year-long undertaking."
A multitude of items will be for sale besides just used books. There is an "art corner with objects from literally all over the world," said Beecroft, explaining that many of the art pieces have been picked up by foreign service correspondents specifically to sell at the fair. It is these art objects that generally make the most money.
BOOKFAIR lasts for several weeks, but due to security measures that come with holding the fair at the Department of State it is only open to the public for four days. Strollers, food and packages will not be allowed inside, and visitors should be prepared to deal with security procedures.
Items for sale at BOOKFAIR vary in price "from a few dollars to quite expensive ... [but] most are from $25 to $45," said Beecroft. On the final day, books will be sold at half price.
BOOKFAIR will be open to the public on Oct. 18 to 19 and 25 to 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Department of State is located between 21st and 23rd streets NW on C Street and is near the Foggy Bottom Metro station on the Blue and Orange lines. For more information call (202) 223-5796.
- EMILY ZEMLER
