A large white tent behind the Lawrence Public Library can mean only one thing: It’s time for the fall book sale.

It’s also the perfect time for book seller Kristian Strom, 26, of Wichita, to stock up on antique books about Kansas history or art and photography.

“I’ve always been the book nerd,” he said while digging through boxes of collectibles.

The semi-annual sale, sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Public Library, kicked off Thursday with a “members only” silent auction and preview sale. The event continues today.

Nearly 50 volunteers helped set up for the occasion, and as many as 300 will help with the sale itself. The sale boasts a collection of 50,000 titles sorted by subject.

“We have something for everyone,” said Leslie O’Neil, Friends of the Lawrence Public Library coordinator.

Edie Kelly and her friend Sallee Dixson, both from Lawrence, found their share of fiction books and books on CD. Between them they had more than 40 paperbacks for less than $50.

“When I can’t carry anymore, I stop,” Kelly said while carrying a full bag.

The sale exposes her to books she may not otherwise read, she said. Typically she reads book reviews and then reserves them at the library, but the sale prompts her to “eyeball in the stacks,” she said.

Dixson said she planned to return today to stock up on books to send to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan through her son’s Army National Guard Unit in Oklahoma.

Earnings from the sale go toward the library’s programs and materials. O’Neil said she had high expectations this year.

“We are looking to raise between $45,000 and $50,000,” she said.

The majority of the items come in the form of donations from people and local bookstores throughout the year.

For more information about the book sale, call (785) 843-3833.