Helping hands: How AAUW State College turns used books into opportunities for women and girls

As a regular volunteer for the annual AAUW State College Used Book Sale, I touch thousands of books throughout the year at our workshop while sorting them into categories for shoppers to browse at the sale. I love knowing that these books had a whole life before arriving at our book workshop as a donation — maybe it was a child’s favorite bedtime story, maybe it sat on a shelf in a home library, maybe it traveled with a student to college, or was a gift to a family member for a birthday or holiday.

I’ll never know the individual stories behind each book, but I love knowing that I play a small part in giving them a second life through the book sale.

Each year, thousands of gently used books are sorted and priced by dedicated volunteers like me. These volunteers’ efforts help thousands of shoppers discover new favorites, stock their libraries and classrooms, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a cherished pastime at an affordable price. The sale has become a beloved community tradition, drawing readers of all ages who share a love of reading.

Most importantly, I love that someone’s small donation — books someone no longer needs or is ready to pass on — becomes something much bigger. Proceeds from the Used Book Sale directly support AAUW State College’s mission to advance equity for women and girls. Funds raised provide scholarships, support educational programming, and sustain community initiatives that promote access and opportunity. In this way, a used book becomes something far more powerful: a tool for change.

So whether you come to the sale to find your next great read, to support local philanthropy, or simply to take part in a longstanding community tradition, know that the AAUW State College Used Book Sale is made possible by donations of thousands of books and many helping hands like me to ensure that every book finds its next home and opens opportunities in our community.

While we are not currently taking donations as we finalize preparations for this year’s sale, we’ll begin collecting again in July for the 2027 sale. This year’s AAUW State College Used Book Sale takes place May 9-12 at the Penn State Snider Ag Arena. To learn more about the sale or donating books, visit aauwstatecollege.org for more information. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram @AAUWSCBookSale. We look forward to seeing you at the sale!

Dina Liberatore is the AAUW State College co-VP of marketing & communications.