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.
Sale Date:
May 17-20, 2025
Click here for details
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. After expenses, an estimated $164,000 was available for community outreach, programs, and branch priorities. 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.
BOOK SALE DONATIONS
AAUW is collection donations of books, games, music. Please see our donation information and guidlines.
Click here for book donation information and guidelines.
BOOK SALE
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.
Due to the popularity of the event we have special procedures and code of conduct policies.
Please see full details for Book Sale hours, location and guidelines.
Click here for book sale information details.
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 list of Special Collections books will be posted on May 1st.
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
We accept cash, checks, and credit cards all four days of the sale.
