Brevard – The Brevard American Association of University Women (AAUW) prepared for its 55th annual book sale, set to commence on Saturday, June 7, at Brevard College’s Boshamer Gym. This year’s event promises to be one of the largest and most organized used book sales in the southeastern United States, with proceeds dedicated to funding local scholarships for girls and women.
Community Support Fuels Success
Since February, AAUW volunteers have been diligently organizing and pricing donated books, CDs, LPs, and puzzles collected in “Yellow boxes” located in various Transylvania County stores and churches. The community’s generous contributions have allowed the sale to grow significantly from its modest beginnings 55 years ago, when it raised just $115 selling books on a card table outside what is now O.P. Taylors toy store in Brevard.
“Every year, we see visitors returning from all over the southeast and beyond,” said an AAUW representative. “They not only come for the sale but also to enjoy a vacation in beautiful Western North Carolina.” The event has become a staple for many families, who plan their trips around the sale.
The funds raised from the book sale have a direct impact on local education. The AAUW allocates over $30,000 annually to support scholarships for girls in grades 5 through 8 for STEM camps, as well as various scholarships and leadership activities for college women at Blue Ridge Community College and Brevard College. “Our mission is to empower women and girls through education,” the representative added.
Sale Details and Special Events
The book sale will run daily from June 7 to June 11, with hours from 10 AM to 7 PM, except for Sunday when it will be open from 12 PM to 7 PM and Wednesday from 10 AM to 3 PM. Notable events include Half-Price Day on Tuesday, June 10, and $5 a Box Day on Wednesday, June 11. Payment options include cash, checks (with ID), and credit cards.
In addition to the annual sale, the Brevard AAUW maintains a year-round online book sale through “manybookslittletime” on eBay, featuring over 1,400 titles ranging from popular reads to rare antique volumes. For more information about the event and ongoing sales, visit Brevard-nc.aauw.net.
The Brevard AAUW book sale not only serves as a significant fundraising event but also fosters community spirit and support for education among local girls and women.