As a local book enthusiast, I can attest that there is nothing quite like treasure-hunting at a massive used book sale. The aroma of aged bindings mixed with that of new print; the sheer pleasure that is felt when the addict finds what she craves lining table after table from wall to wall; the mingling with like-minded people, paying close attention that your new friends don’t snatch up your most sought after tome before you are able to wrap your own eager fingers around its spine. If you are looking for a book fix, look no further than The Ann Arbor Branch of the American Association of University Women's 57th annual Used Book Sale.

This year the sale boasts over 40,000 books, neatly arranged into fifty-six categorical groups for simplified and efficient text-allocation. You can find any genre your heart desires, whether it be popular fiction, science fiction, historical non-fiction, topical literature, cook books or children’s stories. The sale will also feature that elusive “special table” which will feature the sale’s most rare, highly collectible selections.

Each year, hundreds of book-donations are received from generous members of the community, rent-free sorting sites are provided by local business owners and over 140 volunteers prepare for and work the sale. Now normally I am a stickler for supporting our local libraries and not buying books new—no need our love for reading should cause us financial woes—but the clear and obvious exception is when one can obtain great, gently-used,

second-hand books at a low cost while nobly benefiting a charitable cause. For those, like myself, who are concerned about the environment, the idea of mass-book recycling is also very appealing.

The organization behind the sale, the American Association of University Women, or AAUW, is among the oldest non-profit organizations seeking to further women’s rights. The organization as a whole possesses close to one-thousand branch-sites, the Ann Arbor site is just one of many centers dedicated to advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Proceeds of this book sale and others like it around the country are used to support scholarships for both nationally-selected candidates and for local students, attending or matriculating into Eastern Michigan University, University of Michigan and Washtenaw Community College.

Over the last ten years, the Ann Arbor Branch has raised over a quarter million dollars for this purpose, placing it in the 6th rank nationally for fundraising. The association as a whole provides up to a stunning $4.5 million per year to benefit more than 250 students.

As for the sale, I will definitely make an appearance (or two, or three). I am particularly looking forward to brown bag day! You will find me standing over the seasoned classics section all but swooning with joy. You may even find me in some contemporary fiction sections, looking from side-to-side and scanning the room for anyone who might recognize me before slyly slipping a book of a non-serious sort deep into my bag. If you are looking for a great way to enjoy a favorite hobby, exercise your shopping muscle, promote education or even to recycle, then look no further than the AAUW 57th annual Used Book Sale. I hope to see you there! A quick run-down of the facts:

• Who: The Ann Arbor Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW)
• What: 57th annual Used Book Sale
• When: Friday, September 11 (8-10 AM early admission, 10 AM - 8 PM general public); Saturday, September 12 (10 AM - 8 PM); Sunday, September 13 (10 AM - 3 PM)
• Where: Morris Lawrence Building on the campus of Washtenaw Community College
• Why: Proceeds will support scholarships for local students, as well as students selected by AAUW at the national level.
• How Much: $15 entrance fee for Friday early admission (8-10 AM), no entrance fee after 10 AM, books full-price on Friday; Books are half-price all-day Saturday; Sunday is brown bag day, customers may fill one paper grocery bag with books for just $8.00 or two bags for $15.00
• Relevant Links: www.aauw.org, www.aauwmi.org, www.aauwaa.org

Photo Captions: (1) Hannah Hulett, the daughter of James and Beth Hulett, enjoyed looking for children's books, while sorting books with her father this summer, (2) AAUW members (Jean Dickinson pictured here) spent the summer sorting thousands of book for the annual book sale, (3) AAUW member, Paula Christensen, found an easy way to carry books while sorting

*Photographs by Paula Christensen Melissa LR Handa is the founder and organizer for the Ann Arbor Classics Book Group and lead books contributor for AnnArbor.com. If you would like more information or to join the group, please feel free to send an email her way.