Book sale fuels AAUW mission, scholarships
If you're an avid reader, you know what it's like.
You're looking to spend a few hours curled up with a book or two, but you don't know exactly what you're looking for and you don't want to break the bank finding just the right one.
Members of the Wheaton/Glen Ellyn branch of the American Association of University Women know just what you're going through.
It's one of the reasons the group will hold its annual used book sale from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Friday at the Glen Ellyn Civic Center, 535 Duane St. Admission is free.
Oh, of course, if you want to sneak in a bit early and snag some of the best offerings, you can make a $5 donation and get an early peek from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday.
And if you're a bargain-hunter, you always can risk waiting until Saturday when the group will be selling books by the bag for a cool $5 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Here's the best part: Not only might you walk away with some real finds, but you'll also know that all the proceeds from the sale go to fund scholarships and fellowships for both men and women.
AAUW member Sarah Peck recently spent some time discussing the organization and its book sale with the Daily Herald.
Q. How many books will be available at your sale?
A. We will have more than 20,000 books.
Q. What kind of selection will patrons find?
A. Everything imaginable. Novels, fiction, non-fiction, travel, history, biography, "How To" books, children's books, young adult readers, religion, philosophy, cook books, psychology, science, art books, Illinois books.
There is a special room, right off the auditorium, for "curios." These are books that have special value.
Q. Are there some hidden treasures?
A. Actually, we pay an appraiser who comes before the sale to put a value on the first editions, books over 100 years old, and any other books we have collected during the year which we think might have particular merit or value.
Over the years, he has uncovered some real gems -- things we would not have known the value of. It's wonderful when they sell.
Q. How are the books arranged?
A. All of the books are arranged by subject category. They range in price from $1 on up. The average hardcover sells for $2.
Q. What is the AAUW's mission?
A. • Equity for women
• Lifelong education
• Positive social change
Q. How do you work toward accomplishing that goal?
A. The branch is active in, and informed about, the legislative process. AAUW follows trends in education. This branch participates in "The Reality Store," which shows junior high students how to budget.
Q. When and why did the organization start? How has it grown?
A. AAUW is a national organization, founded in 1881. The Wheaton/Glen Ellyn branch was started 50 years ago. One of our current members, Marjorie Robinson, has been a member for all 50 years.
Actually, our membership now is just 87. In the 1960s and 1970s our membership reached 200.
Q. What kind of successes have you had?
A. Every year, for 47 years, our branch has held our used book sale. All of the proceeds go to scholarships and fellowships.
At the first sale, 47 years ago, the event raised $350, which the members viewed as "found money" for scholarships. They were delighted to have made that sum.
We now net about $10,000. from each sale. When we had more active members, we raised more.
Q. What is the application process for fellowships?
A. The national AAUW has a program that provides information about how to apply for a fellowship. These used to be just for women, but due to the equity stance of AAUW, men now can apply, too.
The "Returning to Learning" Program was established by this branch for local fellowships. This branch used to give local scholarships to high school seniors.
Q. What challenges does your organization face?
A. I mentioned earlier that our membership number has dropped. Our fundraisers are all manned by volunteers, and there are many demands on women's time.
Q. What do you wish the community at large knew about your organization?
A. Membership is open to anyone with an associate's or higher degree from an accredited university, college, or community college. Student membership is available for those enrolled in associate or bachelor's degree programs.
If you go
What: Used book sale
Who: Sponsored by the Wheaton/Glen Ellyn branch of the American Association of University Women
When: 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Friday; sneak peek from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday; 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday
Where: Glen Ellyn Civic Center, 535 Duane St.
Admission: Free on Friday and Saturday, $5 on Thursday
Info: aauw@glen-ellyn.com
Vital Statistics
Number of requests for help per year: The amount of scholarship requests changes from year to year. All of the funds our branch raises goes to scholarships and fellowships.
Annual budget: There are local dues to cover minor expenses. The roughly $10,000 raised at each book sale goes into scholarships.
Source of funding: Our book sale
Number of full-time employees: We are a volunteer organization, there are no paid employees.
Current wish list: People to donate books and to attend our sale
How to Donate
Drop-off address throughout the entire year, for used books:
• Koenig & Strey, 820 E. Roosevelt Road, Wheaton
• ReMax Suburban, 1417 N. Main St., Wheaton
• ReMax, 411 Taft Ave, Glen Ellyn
• Century 21, 800 N. Main Street, Glen Ellyn
To volunteer: Contact membership chair Sue Hermann at (630) 665-9221