Used Book Sale Raises $187,000 for AAUW State College’s Efforts to Empower Women and Girls

The American Association of University Women State College branch’s 61st annual Used Book sale was a roaring success.

Held May 13-16 at Penn State’s Snider Ag Arena, the sale featuring more than 200,000 books grossed $187,562, a 33% increase from last year’s event, organizers said on Thursday.

Funds raised from the sale each year support community grants for groups that in some way reflect the AAUW mission to advance equity for women and girls, with a particular focus on STEM programs for girls, literacy and self-esteem. The organization also awards three or four major scholarships annually to returning adult women students.

More than 7,000 shoppers participated in this year’s sale, which saw an increase in book donations.

“The sale runs as smoothly as it does due to all of the volunteers and our community partners who generously provide in-kind donations,” Donna Trapp, Used Book Sale co-chair, said in a statement.

The event also has seen a steady increase in sales since former branch treasurer Ann Echols led the way in adding credit cards as accepted payment.

“Ann’s vision was spot-on, and the convenience for shoppers and for volunteers processing sales has become much easier with credit cards,” treasurer Vasundara Varadan said.

The high sales for 2023 will help to offset increased expenses associated with running the vent, including Penn State’s parking fees and costs of running the Used Book Workshop, located near University Park Airport, throughout the year,

“The Used Book Sale truly ‘takes a village,’” Sally Kalin, manager of the sale’s Special Collections Room, said. “It is a team effort that has kept the event going for 61 years. 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.”

Next year’s sale will be held May 11-14, 2024 at the Penn State Snider Ag Arena. Books for the 2024 sale may be donated starting June 13, 2023 at the AAUW State College Used Book Workshop.

For updates, visit aauwstatecollege.org.