For local bookworms looking to pick up some fresh summer reading material, a number of book sales are happening this week on Capitol Hill.

Today and Thursday, the Library of Congress Professional Association will hold its annual book sale in Room 130 of the Thomas Jefferson Building. Used books, music, magazines and videos will be available for purchase. For book sale times and more information, call (202) 707-5437.

On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Friends of the Southeast Library will hold its annual book sale, offering hardcover books for $1, large paperbacks for 50 cents and regular-sized paperbacks for 25 cents. The Southeast Library is located across from the Eastern Market Metro on Seventh Street Southeast. For more information, call (202) 547-8897.

Contract Awarded for Supreme Court Project

Rockville, Md.-based Grunley Construction Co. Inc. has been awarded a contract to complete the second phase of the Supreme Court building’s modernization project.

The $122 million renovation, which began in July 2003, is slated for completion in 2008. The building was constructed in 1935.

According to the Architect of the Capitol’s office, the second phase will focus on upgrading and replacing the building’s mechanical and electrical systems and “moving some functions to provide more efficient use of space, to better serve the public, or to comply with code requirements.”

The Maryland company will also complete work on the interior of a new underground annex constructed during the renovation project’s initial phase.

The annex, adjacent to Maryland Avenue Northeast, will house the court’s law enforcement agency.

— John McArdle and Jennifer Yachnin