Milestones of the Write Stuff 

Both the Granada Theatre and Old Spanish Days Fiesta marked their 100th anniversaries this year, and the Lobero also celebrated the centennial of its reopening, while the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Parade & Festival reached its half-century milestone celebration this summer. Now, mid-September also brings the 50th edition of the Planned Parenthood Book Sale, which has become almost as treasured an event as the others. 

Somewhat against all odds, not only has the annual affair survived the big discount booksellers, Amazon, eBay, a zillion thrift stores and more – it’s actually thriving as a solid fundraiser for Planned Parenthood California Central Coast, which operates six personal health centers in Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties. The organization collects donated books all year to prepare for the event, which runs from September 12-22 at Exhibition Hall at Earl Warren Showgrounds and boasts literally thousands of items in nearly 60 categories, from American History & Culture and Animals & Pets to World Languages and Young Adult, with stops at such esoteric options as “Banned Books” and “Offbeat Oddities”. (I’ve found books on improv I couldn’t even order online at all, and other treasures almost every year.)

Each item at the sale has been carefully checked for condition and cleaned before being sorted to make shopping a simple – if time-consuming – activity, and new books are added every day as tabletop space becomes available. All proceeds benefit Planned Parenthood California Central Coast in its mission to provide families and individuals in our community with educational and health care services that include wellness exams, cancer screenings and reproductive care. 

Admission is free except for opening night, when those who want first crack at the stuff pay $30 for the opportunity. Visit https://booksale.ppcentralcoast.org.