State College

Book lovers unite: AAUW State College Used Book Sale returns for 63rd year

Volunteers set up for the AAUW used book sale at the Penn State Snider Agriculture Arena on May 11, 2023. This year’s sale will be held May 17-20.
Volunteers set up for the AAUW used book sale at the Penn State Snider Agriculture Arena on May 11, 2023. This year’s sale will be held May 17-20. adrey@centredaily.com

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) State College, a nonprofit organization that advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research, is hosting its iconic annual AAUW State College Used Book Sale.

Currently in its 63rd year, the sale will be held from Saturday, May 17 to Tuesday, May 20. It will be held at the Penn State Snider Agricultural Arena, 800 E. Park Ave., catty corner from Beaver Stadium.

The books have been generously donated by community members over the past ten months, then sorted and priced by AAUW members and volunteers.

Book lovers will be able to browse through more than 150,000 donated books, arranged in over 30 categories, ranging from a large section for children and young adults to biography, collector’s, fiction, history, hobbies, literature, mystery and many more. Beyond books, we have a large supply of jigsaw puzzles, games, sheet music, CDs, audio books and BluRay Discs.

Some books in the special collections room for the AAUW used book sale at the Penn State Snider Agriculture Arena on May 11, 2023.
Some books in the special collections room for the AAUW used book sale at the Penn State Snider Agriculture Arena on May 11, 2023. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com

The sale is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday through Monday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Books will be half-priced on Monday. Shoppers can fill a traditional size grocery bag for $10 on Tuesday. Parking and admission are free. Customers are encouraged to bring their own shopping bags. Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted.

With the huge variety and quality of books being offered, the sale is something that people look forward to each year. Although all the books are brought into the arena on the first day, not all can go on the tables at once, due to limited space. Many shoppers come multiple days to see what books they missed on their first go-round.

Sale proceeds stay in this community. In 2024, we awarded local scholarships, in part from an endowment, to help five undergraduate women complete their education. In addition, we funded four women to attend the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders. Through our community outreach we funded several STEM programs, engaging girls and young women in science, technology, engineering, and math. Community Action Grants were awarded in areas such as health, literacy and self-esteem. The funds raised in this year’s book sale will further advance this crucial work.

Learn more about the AAUW State College Used Book Sale at aauwstatecollege.org.

We hope you will join us for an unforgettable and inspiring event.

Donna Trapp is the AAUW State Used Book Sale co-chair and Jennifer Rose is an AAUW State College communications team member.
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