LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The donation process is underway for one of the largest used book sales in the region as the American Association of University Women (AAUW) prepares for its annual Book Fair.
The organization has begun accepting donations for the event, which has been a community tradition for more than six decades. Over the years, the sale has grown significantly, with organizers estimating that between 150,000 and 200,000 books and other items will fill the shelves during this year's event.
Proceeds from the Book Fair support scholarships for young women pursuing higher education. Organizers anticipate awarding 15 scholarships worth $1,500 each this year to students from throughout the region.
“A total would be hard to come by. We've done this for around 65 years from what we can figure out. And the first scholarships were like $100 and were given to two women. We do this for scholarships for girls for college. College is expensive, education is important, and so we've worked for years to do that and provide some of that funding,” said Sue Ann Shaw, co-chair and treasurer of the AAUW Book Fair.
Donations will be accepted through Aug. 27 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the former Rite Aid building at the corner of West Elm Street and Eastown Road.
Organizers ask that donated items be clean, dry and free of mold. They do not accept magazines, encyclopedias or textbooks more than five years old.
The Book Fair is scheduled for Sept. 8-12. Volunteers are welcome to assist with sorting and preparing items for the sale, and monetary donations are also being accepted to help cover operating expenses.
Organizers say community support through donations, volunteering and shopping at the sale helps continue the organization's long-standing mission of providing educational opportunities for young women.
