The June 13-14 book fair sponsored by Historic Vienna, Inc. [HVI] drew customers from throughout Northern Virginia, and dealers from as far away as Baltimore.

"In 2008, we raised over $10,000 at this sale," said HVI president, Anne Stuntz. "People ask us what we raise money for.

"We raise money to support all the activities of HVI. What we raise here will go for story time, the Civil War encampment, special exhibits. HVI has operating expenses, employees," Stuntz said. The group doesn’t have an exact count of the number of for-sale books, but HVI describes the number in the "tens of thousands."

Within hours of opening on the event’s first day, dealers had gobbled up many of the collectibles as did local book aficionados. Some buyers were already on their second trip of the day. John "Smitty" Smith was one of them.

"I was here when they opened," said Smith. "I come here every year. It’s enjoyable browsing, too. "

Stuart Endick of Burke comes every year, as well, he said. "I think it’s a great book sale. I usually find hidden treasures … like ‘A Wanderer in Paris.’ It’s a collectible."

Browsers and buyers picked through pages, examined covers, checked print dates. Children had their own dedicated area where they flipped through books appropriate to their age levels and parents sat on the grass reading to them.

Dick Wordian of Oakton said he comes to the [HVI] book sale "everyone other year or so" because it’s a "good one."

Some of books, sitting on a table on the Freeman House porch and labeled "Treasures," included rare editions and collectibles. Priced a few dollars more than the mass-market books, they went quickly.

Doug Everhart, a teacher from Sterling, picks up books for his "kids to read."

"This is really a good selection. I’ll come back next year."