The Pequot Library in Southport kicked off its 59th annual summer book sale Friday.

The book sale is considered the largest in New England and First Selectman Mike Tetreau says it's like a cultural event. 

A group of volunteers work year-round preparing and separating books for the sale and pricing them out.

Around 100,000 books are stacked under two giant tents outside the library and even more books are inside.

Organizers say 8,000 people are expected to come out between Friday and Tuesday when the sale ends.

Money earned from the book sale goes back to fund the Pequot Library, organizers say.