This story originally appeared in The Centre County Gazette.
One of Centre County’s most beloved traditions is back for another year. The AAUW State College Used Book Sale, now in its 63rd year, will take place from Saturday, May 17, through Tuesday, May 20, at the Penn State Snider Agricultural Arena, located at 800 E. Park Ave. across from Beaver Stadium.
With more than 150,000 gently used books, puzzles, games, CDs and DVDs up for grabs, the sale is one of the largest of its kind in the country and a true celebration of community spirit, literacy and opportunity.
The event will run from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday through Monday and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. There is no admission fee and parking is free. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their curiosity, their reading lists and their reusable bags because there are treasures abound in every corner of the arena.
Each item on sale has been generously donated by members of the community throughout the year and carefully sorted into more than 30 categories by a dedicated team of AAUW volunteers. Whether you’re searching for historical biographies, children’s picture books, sci-fi adventures, cookbooks or rare finds, there’s something for everyone. To learn more about the categories and the sale, visit bit.ly/AAUWBookSale.
Crowds are expected on Saturday morning when the doors first open and the arena will be limited to 450 people at a time. Those who prefer a more relaxed browsing experience might consider visiting later in the day or on subsequent days, especially Monday and Tuesday, when discounts and deals make for an even more rewarding trip.
Monday, May 19, is Half Price Day, offering great bargains across the board. On Tuesday, May 20, shoppers can fill an entire grocery-sized bag for just $10, which is a favorite among teachers, avid readers and families alike. The sale accepts major credit cards, cash and checks.
But this event is about more than just books. The proceeds from the sale fund scholarships for adult women returning to school, as well as community grants supporting educational and equity-driven projects in line with AAUW’s mission: to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research.
Looking ahead, AAUW State College will begin accepting donations for the May 2026 sale starting Tuesday, July 8, at its workshop, located at 2197 High Tech Road in State College. Donation guidelines and additional event details can be found at aauwstatecollege.org.
Whether you’re a lifelong book lover or simply curious to see what hidden gems await, this cherished community event offers something special and just might leave you walking away with a story of your own.
