One of my favorite times of the year is just around the bend. The Friends of the SF Public Library's annual Big Book Sale--basically Christmas for book lovers and record collectors alike--starts next week bright and early at 10 am on Wednesday, September 22nd at Fort Mason. It's the West Coast's largest book sale, and it's truly a sight to behold: expect thousands upon thousands of books from every genre imaginable just waiting to come home with you.

This year is marks the library's biggest sale to date, with over 100,000 more books than last year, all costing $5 or less (unless you're hitting up the rare books section). They put out new stuff at the beginning of each day, and books aren't all they've got--browse DVDs, vinyl, CDs, books on tape, VHS tapes and more. Sunday, the 26th is bargain day, with EVERYTHING costing $1.

The event is free, of course, and stays open until 8 pm to accomodate all you working types. Friends of the SF Public Library members can head down to Fort Mason a day earlier, on Tuesday at 4 pm, for a special sale preview and reception.

As always, proceeds go to fund the SF Public Library's educational programs that promote literacy for children, teens and adults. Last year they raised over $265,000.

For year-round books on the cheap, explore the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library's Book Bay, also at Fort Mason, where all funds also support our city's library system.

Image via SSF Public Library on Flickr.com