UTICA, N.Y. – Anyone looking for some fall reads can stop by the Utica Public Library parking lot to pick up some books – for free.

The library will soon be switching to a new ID system, and is purging several of its older copies that have been out of circulation for years.

“We are going to be converting our entire collection to a new ID system of tracking them in a couple of months or so. So, what we’ve been doing this summer his weeding, which is getting rid of a ton of our collection, just books that haven’t circulated since five years ago, 10 years ago, etc.,” said Chris McNicholl, circulation supervisor at the library.

The books are set up on carts in the parking lot, and people are welcome to come take a look, but are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing.

McNicholl says the library will have to get rid of any books that aren’t claimed.

"I’d love to see every book that we have find a home one way or another, and if we can’t find a home for a lot of these books, they have to be recycled or have to be thrown out. All the books don’t move like they used to," he said.

The library is also putting out some of the newer books and DVDs every Thursday for people to sign out, since the library is not yet open. Those wishing to borrow these items must have a valid library card.