Treasures abound at Georgia Archives sale

You never know what treasures may be buried among the 25,000 books that go on sale Thursday at the Georgia Archives in Morrow.

Volunteers at the state’s repository for historic documents have amassed an assortment of volumes from around the country that just may include a few hidden gems.

When the Friends of Georgia Archives and History (FOGAH) staged a sell-off two years ago, shopper Joye Quinn stumbled upon a few signed first editions.

“There is usually a small section of rare books, but it’s an odd assortment,” said the Stone Mountain resident. “You might find exactly what you want; you may find nothing at all. I always look for genealogy books or anything about Atlanta, and I love mysteries, so I buy lots of paperbacks that are very cheap – about $1. No matter what you’re looking for, it’s best to go early.”

Rare books aren’t the main focus of the event, but they are one of the chief attractions, said volunteer coordinator Dee Thompson.

“They are a very small percentage of the 25,000 books we’ll sell,” she said. “They may take up two full shelves. But there are some good ones, even a few rare genealogy books. And they’re not expensive, between $10 and $20. Everything this year is priced much lower than it’s been in the past.”

The group’s motivation for offering major markdowns is simple: They want to unload as many books as possible over the next three days. The proceeds, in the past as high as $10,000, support the Archives that house the legal, financial and historical documents of the state. It has become an important center for genealogical research, but much of its work and many educational programs have been severely curtailed by state budget cuts.

“Our funding comes completely from the state, and we’ve had cutbacks as everyone has,” said Archives director David Carmicheal. “It helps to have a little money on the side for our educational programs, such as lectures and exhibits. It’s even helped us put almost 1 million images online.”

Thompson and fellow volunteers Tom Allison, Nancy Morris and Gene Jones have met twice a week for the past year to sort through bundles and boxes of books that arrive from around the country. Some are odd lots purchased cheaply from dealers; others are donations from civic organizations, schools and individuals. The mix includes novels, children’s books, regional history books, cookbooks, arts and gardening.

“This year, we received about 300 yearbooks from all around the country,” Thompson said. “We also had a big donation of pictorial and coffee-table books. And for the first time, we have a big collection of foreign-language books.”

The Archives also received donated works from a genealogical library in Marietta that closed and from the National Archives as well.

“It’s a huge assortment that comes from various sources,” Thompson said. “The prices have a broad range, too – from 50 cents to $4. There are some exceptions, but 90 percent of the books are priced to sell.”

This year’s FOGAH sale kicks off Thursday evening with a private preview for members, though the general public may attend if they join the group for $20. At noon Saturday, shoppers can haul home a box crammed with books for just $15. FOGAH will supply the boxes.

Along with books, volunteers will be selling commemorative Christmas ornaments for $20 each or $100 for a boxed set of six.

“Like other state groups, the Archives have had huge budget cuts,” said Thompson, whose grandmother left an endowment to the organization. “This sale is an important way to support whatever they need to keep them going.”

Book ’em

Hours for the Friends of Georgia Archives and History book sale are Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for members only. (New members who join that evening are also welcome.) Public hours are 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.