DOWNEY — The Friends of the Downey City Library hosts monthly silent auctions with proceeds benefiting the library. 

Below are the items in this month’s auction. The last day to bid is Saturday, March 25, at noon. Bids can be made in person at the library or by calling (562) 299-6790.

Universe: The Definitive Visual Guide, edited by Martin Rees. Exceptional full-color photographs representing the phenomenal captures from space telescopes and detailed digital artwork enhance a comprehensive study of the world of outer space; documenting the galaxies, planets, their moons, stars, galaxies, supernovas, and other celestial phenomena. Minimum bid: $12

The Element Encyclopedia of Vampires: An A-Z of the Undead, by Theresa Cheung. With this comprehensive and fascinating guide, be prepared to lift the coffin on what is real...and what is undead. Minimum bid: $14

Willie & Joe: The WWII Years, by Bill Mauldin. Features Mauldin's complete works from 1940 through the end of the war. This collection of over 600 cartoons, most never-before-reprinted, is an essential chronicle of America's citizen-soldiers from peace through war to victory. (Note: book’s underside has black marker line). Minimum bid: $35

The Artist's Guide to Drawing the Clothed Figure: A Complete Resource on Rendering Clothing and Drapery, by Michael Massen. This comprehensive resource examines the mechanical principles behind the formation of folds; and breaks down all clothing into three types: sculpted forms, loose drapery, and, most especially, tubes. (Note: Back of dust jacket shows some wear).  Minimum bid: $20

Appetizers Buffets & Parties, by Bridget Jones. A fantastic collection of delicious food for entertaining, from finger foods to buffet dishes, all shown with easy step-by-step directions. Perfect ways to start the meal with 400 ideas for first courses, hors d’oeuvres, snacks, finger food and nibbles; shown in over 1300 photos. Minimum bid:  $12

Harley-Davidson, by R. Bacon, D. Chorlton, et al. This comprehensive book covers all the history, Harley culture, and the bikes themselves. With 1,000 color photographs and the insightful knowledge of the authors, this is the definitive work for any Harley-Davidson enthusiast or rider. Minimum bid: $10

Human: The Definitive Visual Guide, edited by R. Winston and D. Wilson. Exploring the unique qualities and characteristics shared by all human beings, this richly illustrated study looks at what it means to be human, profiling the more than 250 different peoples inhabiting Earth, highlighting the diversity of human culture and society. Minimum bid: $12

America's Great Illustrators, by Susan E. Meyer. The American illustrators such as Rockwell, Remington, Charles Dana Gibson, Maxfield Parrish, and more represented in this book have endured as America's favorites. This lavishly illustrated volume has 417 illustrations and 186 full color plates. (Note: Dust jacket shows slight wear). Minimum bid: $12