Kindles and iPads are ok… but there is nothing like picking up a good paperback or hardcover book. The smell, the feel, and the excitement to physically turn the page can never be replicated by technology. While everyone loves running to the local bookstore to pick up the latest, greatest novel from their favorite author, there’s a certain thrill when you stumble across an amazing used book.

There is no better opportunity to find your next favorite book than the annual AAUW State College Used Book Sale – one of the largest used book sales in the entire country. Organized by members of AAUW State College, a group advancing equity for women and girls, the annual Used Book Sale is set to take place in the Snider Agricultural Arena at Penn State University from Saturday, May 13 through Tuesday, May 16. Doors open each day at 9 a.m. and the sale will be open until 8 p.m.

The books are all donated by members of the Happy Valley community, brought to the AAUW State College Used Book Workshop, and processed by AAUW members and volunteers for the past ten months. In total, over 4,000 boxes of books will be brought to the sale.

"The AAUW State College Used Book Sale is a terrific community event that has something for everyone, regardless of their interests. There are over 30 categories of books, displayed by section,” said Connie Schroeder, AAUW State College Vice President for Marketing and Communications. “The sale is from the community and for the community, made possible by hundreds of generous book donors in our community. Sale proceeds stay local too, funding grants to groups who reflect our mission to advance equity for women and girls, and scholarships for returning adult women students."

Books are arranged in over 30 categories, such as art, biography, children’s, comics, collectibles, fiction, hobbies, history, literature, and many more. The largest single category is children’s, with over 25,000 books. A major goal of the sale is to make books affordable so – so books are priced to sell. Discounts on the books are even better on Monday and Tuesday. Monday is half-price day at the book sale and Tuesday is Bag Day – when customers can fill a cloth or paper grocery bag with books for only $8 per bag.

“Our children's section is the largest – boasting over 25,000 books. Our history, fiction, literature, and hobbies sections are perennial favorites,” Schroeder added. “We have received many valuable and/or unusual books and treasure hunters will love finding them in our Special Collections area. We also have a new section this year featuring books about Pennsylvania and by Pennsylvania authors."

Proceeds from the sale fund two major priorities of AAUW State College: local grants to other non-profits who in some way reflect their mission and scholarships for women to complete their undergraduate degrees. The sale also supports national AAUW initiatives, STEM programs in Centre County, and branch programs. The most recent sale grossed over $100,000 from over 4,000 boxes of used books.

AAUW cautions that many shoppers arrive early the first day of the sale to be among the first to enter the Snider Agricultural Area. While camping out overnight is prohibited, beginning late Friday afternoon, individuals may place one box or container per person in the line with your name on the box. On Saturday morning, individuals must be in line, one person per box/container, before 6:30 a.m. when numbers will be distributed by designated sales staff to determine order of entry into the arena. Numbers will be distributed until 8:45 a.m. Once you have received your number, you can feel free to leave and enjoy some of Happy Valley’s great breakfast options, but you must plan to return by 8:45 a.m.

Snider Agricultural Arena is located on East Park Avenue across from Beaver Stadium. Parking is available behind the building. Handicapped parking is available next to the main entrance.

For more information about the AAUW State College Used Book Sale, visit https://aauwstatecollege.org/used_book_sale_centre_county/. If you have any other questions about the Used Book Sale, you can email info@aauwstatecollege.org