AAUW State College Used Book Sale Sees Record-Setting Year

The 62nd annual AAUW State College Used Book Sale, held May 11-14 at the Penn State Snider Ag Arena, brought in more than 7,300 shoppers and had gross sales  totaling $214,296, a 13.5% increase over last May’s event, the organization reported this week.

After expenses, the branch will net about $164,000 for local community grants that reflect the AAUW mission to advance equity for women and girls, scholarships to returning adult women students, AAUW mission-based programs and other branch priorities.  

“The increase in sales comes from the continued generosity of people donating books, coupled with shoppers who love traditional paper book reading, which is clearly not on the decline.” Donna Trapp, Used Book Sale Co-Chair, said.  

This year’s high sales will help offset the increased expenses of conducting the sale. The cost of running the Used Book Workshop throughout the year, where book donations are accepted and processed, has increased significantly, according to a news release.

AAUW State College also now pays for Penn State parking during the sale, which was covered this year by two donations, and Penn State security services. The organization will welcome corporate and community sponsorship for parking costs at future sales. 

“The sale runs as smoothly as it does due to all of the volunteers and community partners who generously provide in-kind donations,” Trapp said.

“The Used Book Sale is a tremendous team effort, from book donors to the hundreds of volunteers working behind the scenes and at the sale, and to Penn State, several service organizations, media groups and businesses for their support – thank you,” Used Book Sale Co-Chair Mary Ann Blair added,. 

Next year’s sale will be held May 17-20, 2025 at the Ag Arena. Books for the 2025 sale may be donated starting June 18, 2024 at the AAUW State College Used Book Workshop, located at 2197 High Tech Road near State College Regional Airport. Visit aauwstatecollege.org for details.