Friends of Downey City Library's May silent auction items

The Friends of the Downey City Library hold a silent auction fundraiser each month and bids close at 12 p.m. on the last Saturday of the month.

This month's auction will close on Saturday, May 25.

In addition to in-person bids, they also accept telephonic bids at (562) 299-6790. Winner need not be present to win. All proceeds pay for library programs and services.

1. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum; Illustrated by Robert Ingpen. Ingpen's lush interpretation of the beloved classic captures all the memorable moments and characters in his gorgeous illustrations, from the cyclone that whisks Dorothy out of Kansas to her adventurous encounters in Oz! Minimum bid: $12

2. Van Gogh: The Complete Paintings, by Ingo F. Walther, et al. Two-volume boxed set is essential for anyone who wants to learn more about this intriguing artist, and to survey his complete works in this beautifully illustrated collection. Minimum bid: $25

3. Tales of Mystery and Imagination, by Edgar Allan Poe; Illustrations by Harry Clarke. Barnes and Noble leatherbound edition, first published in 1919, this book matched Poe's best tales of horror and suspense with the expressive artwork of Harry Clarke. Minimum bid: $12

4. Television: A Biography, by David Thomson. This book directs our attention to the universal small screen and delivers a history of its revolutionary transformation. Minimum bid: $13

5. What Is World History? Published by Penguin Random House. New, plastic-wrapped, hard-to-find 25 paperback boxed set collection, first published in 2021. Also known as the “Who Was . . .” series. Minimum bid: $47

6. The History of American Graffiti, by Roger Gastman and Caleb Neelo. Here is the definitive story behind the most influential art form of the last 100 years. Tracing its evolution from its early freight-train days, to its big-city boom, and its modern-day influences, with more than 1,000 photographs, this book captures the look and feel of a genuine American art form with exceptional clarity and detail. Minimum bid: $95

7. Roadside America: The Automobile and the American Dream, by Lucinda Lewis. A photographic survey of American cars takes a nostalgic look at the nation's history and folklore as seen from the perspective of its automobiles, from neon-lit diners and drive-in movie theaters to last-stop gas stations and Route 66 attractions. Minimum bid: $20

8. Rome: Art & Architecture, by Marco Bussagli. This oversize book portrays the majestic canvas of the city’s artistic heritage in all of its depth and color, and offers a comprehensive and concise guide to Rome’s artistic evolution. Minimum bid: $20