The Friends of the Dartmouth Libraries have turned a page with the return of their popular book sale after a two-year absence.

The sale had been canceled because of Covid three previous times _ in April 2020, October 2020 and April 2021 _ before making a comeback Sept 22, 23, 24 and 25 at the Southworth Library.

Before the sale opened to the public at 10 a.m. Thursday _ the Wednesday sale was for Friends members  only _ some people were waiting outside the library by about 9 a.m. , said Blair Walker, a member of the Friends who chaired the sale

“The line kept refilling,’’ she said. “It was really exciting. It’s gratifying, people are glad it’s here.’’

The popularity of the event attracted Deb Stevens, who described the library as “my favorite place.’’

When she pulled in to the parking lot and couldn’t find a space, “I realized it must be the book sale.’’

“I’m finding beautiful books,’’ she said, noting the wide range of topics, “from how to be a vegan to fiction.’’

She has lived a lot of places, she said, including Boston and California, but said the Southworth Library is the “best library ever, ever, ever.’’

Theresa Fournier is a planner. She checked out the sale to stock her reading supply for next summer.

When I go to the beach, I like to take a book,’’ she said.

Normand Pepin and Edna Pepin both love to read and were thumbing through the history section, which Normand especially enjoys. Asked what period of history he most likes to read about, he responded with two words: “All history.’’

Hardcover fiction was especially popular with visitors, Walker said. “One woman bought every James Patterson she could find,’’ Walker said, and Louise Penny books also got snatched up quickly.

Organizers of the sale hoped that people attending will consider joining the Friends. The all-volunteer organization supports the library in various ways, including providing museum passes, funding programs for children and adults and sponsoring a winter film series.

Walker anticipates the sale will bring in about $5,000, although even more is possible, she said.

The sale is “certainly important,’’ she said.

“It’s helpful to the library, that’s the most important thing,’’ she said. “We all love the library.’’

The sale continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24 and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25. Masks are required and attendance is limited to 20 people at a time. 

 For more about joining the Friends of the Dartmouth Libraries, visit fodl.org.