Annual AAUW book sale moves to Fox River Mall starting Oct. 16
The 88th annual Book Sale sponsored by the American Association of University Women (AAUW - Appleton) kicks off on Oct. 16 at a new location, the former Ulta store at Fox River Mall, just south of the Food Court entrance.
The sale runs a total of eleven days: Oct. 16-19; Oct. 23-26; and Oct. 30-Nov. 1.
Hours are 9 a.m to 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays; and noon to 5 on Sundays.
Since 1936, the Appleton branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has sponsored the sale to raise money for scholarships for women. Last year, the sale of an estimated 60,000 books funded scholarships for local women and girls pursuing a variety of educational paths, from associate to graduate degrees.
Scholarship eligibility requirements are listed on the AAUW-Appleton website.
“Every October for over 70 years, AAUW Appleton has organized thousands of books and sold them for bargain prices to raise money for local women who are attending Fox Valley Technical College and other colleges and universities,” said Faye Binsfeld, President of AAUW-Appleton. “Last year we gave 11 scholarships totaling over $30,000. The sale makes book ownership possible for homes across the area at low cost, and enables everything from early exposure to reading with toddlers to adult reading across a wide swath of interests. It’s our gift of literacy to the area.”
Most books are priced at just $1 or $2, with some special or vintage items marked higher. There are “bonus days” toward the end of the sale, which feature half-price deals and a "fill a bag for $5" offer. Everything will be free on the final day, Nov. 1, from 9 to noon.
Co-chair Laurie McCulloch warned shoppers that the first day is usually packed. Last year, she said, a line formed 45 minutes before they opened.
“And then it's a mad rush,” she said. “Dealers come from all around the country to our book sale.”
You may contribute hardcover and paperback books, children’s books, books on CD, sheet music, CDs, DVDs, puzzles, and games through Oct. 6. Magazines, dictionaries, textbooks, and VHS tapes are not accepted. To arrange a donation pickup, call one of these numbers: 920-284-7098, 920-636-8153, 920-734-6750, 920-540-7751.
The AAUW staff asks that you not leave books you are donating outside the store.
A portion of the book sale profits support the AAUW's national mission of advancing gender equity for women and girls. The organization prioritizes issues such as fair pay and economic opportunity, removing barriers in education, and advocating for relevant public policies.
The Appleton branch, founded in 1913, offers a diverse range of activities beyond the book sale, including travel events, various book and study groups, Mahjong, and bridge. New members are welcome.
