These events are organized opportunities to acquire reading material, audio recordings, and visual media at reduced prices, frequently offered by institutions dedicated to information access and preservation. For example, a local branch might periodically offer surplus or donated items to the public.
Such initiatives provide a vital avenue for resource redistribution, enabling community members to expand personal collections at minimal cost. Historically, these sales have served as fundraising mechanisms, supporting ongoing institutional operations and enriching public access to resources. They also reduce storage demands by repurposing unneeded holdings.