AAUW State College Used Book Sale

The AAUW State College Used Book Sale, one of the largest used book sales in the country, is a popular community event held annually in the spring since 1962.  During the sale, thousands of visitors converge on Penn State’s Snider Agricultural Arena to browse and purchase up to quarter of a million books and other materials. Special sale features include children’s books, collectibles, puzzles and games, a half-price day, and a “bag day” with further discounts.

 

Click here for book donation information and guidelines.

2025 Sale Date:

May 17-20, 2025

Mark your calendar! 

HOW THE PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE ARE USED

The Used Book Sale is the economic engine that enables us to fund our activities and operations. Our 2024 sale grossed $214,296, a 13.5% increase over the previous year. Proceeds fund grants to support projects of Centre County non-profits that align with AAUW’s mission and scholarships awarded to women adult learner undergraduate students residing in Centre County. The sale also supports national AAUW initiatives, STEM programs in Centre County, and branch programs.

ADMITTANCE POLICIES

There is no cost for admittance to the sale and parking is free. Doors will open promptly at 9:00 a.m. each day. Penn State safety regulations state that the Snider Agricultural Arena has a maximum occupancy of 450 people. Consequently, we will carefully monitor the number of people admitted to the floor. Once building capacity is reached, new shoppers will be admitted only as others exit the building.

Many shoppers arrive early the first day of the sale (Saturday) to be among the first to enter the Snider Agricultural Arena. Please note that Penn State policy does not permit individuals to stay outside overnight at the Snider Agricultural Arena. Those arriving as early as late Friday afternoon may place one box or container per person in the line with your name on the box.

Shoppers must be in line, one shopper per box/container, before 6:30 am, when numbers 1-400 will be distributed by designated sale staff to determine order of entry into the Arena. Many shoppers go out for breakfast after getting their number but must return by 8:45 am (or earlier) when the line forms with #1-400 first, followed by first come, next served. 

This process is only in place for the first day of the sale. Sunday – Tuesday doors open at 9:00 a.m. Entry will be on a first come, first serve basis.

Volunteers are ready to assist you.

The Used Book Sale is a family affair.

Special Collections

Unique, fragile, and valuable (generally over $25) books are available in the Special Collections room, shown on an enlarged map at the  entrance to the Arena floor. The 2024 list of Special Collections books is available here.

MAPS

BOOK DEALER INFORMATION

To comply with Penn State safety regulations which require full access to exits in the event of an emergency, the walkway around the sales floor must remain clear. Dealers are asked to use the upstairs mezzanine of the Snider Agricultural Arena to review and temporarily store their books. Cashiers will be available on the mezzanine for your purchases. Please note that there is not an elevator to the mezzanine.

SECURITY

Personnel from Penn State University Police & Public Safety will be present in the Arena for the entire sale.

AMENITIES

Food and drink will not be available for sale inside or outside of the Arena. Shoppers are welcome to bring their own food and drink to enjoy on the lawn adjacent to the Arena after shopping the sale.

ACCESS FOR VISITORS WITH DISABILITIES

Handicapped parking is available next to the main entrance. Please make sure your handicapped parking placard is displayed. 

Access is through the Snider Agricultural Arena’s main door. Straight ahead is a small incline onto the book sale floor. The entire dirt floor of the arena is covered with a tarp that is fastened at all entry points. The distance between the tables follows federal guidelines for wheelchairs. Please be aware that because this is an agricultural arena, the dirt floor is not completely smooth. Also, the arena can get crowded during busy times. 

CONTACT INFORMATION

Send questions about the annual Used Book Sale to: info@aauwstatecollege.org

Book Workshop Address:

2197 High Tech Road
State College, PA 16803

FORMS OF PAYMENT ACCEPTED

We accept cash, checks, and credit cards all four days of the sale.