UPPER WEST SIDE — The New York Public Library has not one, but two copies of Whitesnake's 1981 album "Come an' Get It" — and one of them is for sale.
The library's Rodgers and Hammerstein Archives of Recorded Sound is selling 22,000 archived LPs this weekend. The sale, which started Thursday and lasts into Saturday evening, is offering copies of records the library already has in mind condition, in order to make way for newer records to archive.
"There is a great chance that someone will find more than one diamond in the not-so-rough. Many of the recordings have never been played, bear promotional stamps, and remain sealed in shrink wrap,” the library said in a statement.
Music in the collection includes 1970s country, funk, classic rock and even "Ronald Reagan's spoken work," the library said.
The library added that they will provide bags, but if you're planning to leave with a larger haul, you may want to bring something extra.
"If you think you will need a box — you know who you are — we will have some on hand while they last," the library said.
The library does not have an inventory, but records are "arranged loosely by label and issue number to make it easier for those who know precisely their prey."
Cash is the preferred method of payment, though you'll be able to use a credit card for purchases of $100 or more.
The sale is taking place at the first floor of the Donald and Mary Oenslager Gallery at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, 40 Lincoln Center Plaza, until 5:45 p.m. Friday and from noon to 5:45 p.m. Saturday.
