While his parents pushed a cart full of hundreds of history books and novels, Will Jackson, 5, preferred to read rather than shop at the annual public library used book sale that began Monday at the Franklin & Marshall College Alumni Sports and Fitness Center.

"I read most of the words by myself," said Will, after finishing off "The Foot Book" by Dr. Seuss.

Will was joined by his parents, Billy and Sarah Jackson, as well as his younger siblings Kasia, 3, and Thomas, 1. The family came all the way from Hershey for the 56th annual sale, which raised more than $67,000 on its opening day, according to book sale officials.

The event features more than 250,000 items, including books, tapes, DVDs and records in a range of topics, including everything from cookbooks to mystery novels to textbooks — even yearbooks.

"I like to stay outside the box and enjoy life, and music and art help me do that," said Gracie Berry, a clinical coordinator at Lancaster Regional Medical Center, as she perused the records section.

Berry, 29, found records by Billie Holiday, The Jackson 5 and Madonna.

"There's nothing like listening to an album on a record player. You get that old-style feel," she said.

More than 10,000 people are expected at the sale, which benefits the Lancaster Public Library as well as the Mountville and Leola libraries, said Pat Ditzler, the book sale chair.

Ditzler noted that many used-book vendors from as far as North Carolina and Maine came Monday, sometimes spending $1,000.

However, everyday shoppers such as Jackie Coe, 16, a student at Manheim Central High School, enjoyed the sale as well.

"A lot of books that I like to read, I can't find in bookstores," said the teen, who prefers old mystery novels. "I found a lot of books that were 50 cents and if I don't know if I like it, at least I get to try it."

Coe found nine books, whereas her mother found well over 30.

"I don't have time to read as many," she said.

The sale is put on by the Friends of the Lancaster Public Library, and more than 250 volunteers are active in the event.

One volunteer, Richard Lambert, who's been helping at the event for 10 years, helped to point out some of the more interesting finds.

"We have a donation of 150 John Wayne films," he said.

Another volunteer laughed as he noted a book he found about Philadelphia. It was from a hotel and inside were printed the words "Do not remove."

The sale will continue today from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Wednesday, books are half-price until after 3 p.m., when shoppers can fill a grocery bag with regular price books for $5.

E-mail: dmartin@lnpnews.com