Telegram - Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944

The American Association of University Women- Dearborn will be holding their Annual Used Book and Media Sale from September 26th through 29th. The sale is the largest in the area with thousands of quality used books, CD's, DVD's and vinyl. Proceeds from the event, the branch's largest fundraiser, are used for scholarships, workshops and leadership conference opportunities for students attending Dearborn schools, Henry Ford College and the University of Michigan- Dearborn. The sale is held at the Dearborn Ice Skating Center at 14900 Ford Road.

The fundraiser coincides with the American Association of University Women's mission of advancing gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy. The efforts expand beyond local communities to state, national and international issues. Members vote on Public Policy Priorities to guide the organization and branches' focus. There are over 1,000 branches nationally. Through policy advocacy and grass roots efforts, members work towards ensuring "equality, individual rights and social justice for a diverse society; support for a strong public education system that promotes gender fairness, equity and diversity; and advocacy for all women to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Protection and support also is focused to ensure a vigorous enforcement of Title IX and all other civil rights laws pertaining to education."( http://www.aauw.org)

AAUW-Dearborn was established in 1933 and has a long history of holding an Annual Used Book Sale. Preparation for the event runs all year long with ongoing collection of books, followed by sorting and boxing them in categories. Judy Monroe, Sorting Chairman says, "We have sorted over 50,000 books this year. With a group of 8-12 volunteers from AAUW-Dearborn and faculty volunteers from Henry Ford College, who pick up their community service hours helping; the enormous job is completed twice per week." Monroe offers an invitation to others wanting to help with this huge task, which will begin again soon after the September sale is over.

To assist book buyers, books are organized at the sale by categories including general fiction, education, military, local interest, biography, art and many others. Mysteries and romance are categorized by author. Many tables are sponsored by local businesses and others wishing to support the sale. The children's section is in a separate room where children are free to browse. The books are organized by reading level. Many of the volunteers working the area are former teachers and can be of assistance in finding what the buyer is looking for.

Throughout the year, the Dearborn Police Department provides assistance from crews of court workers to help move the boxes to the storage area until the sale. They also return to help with book sale set up. Kathy Savatsky, Book Sale Co- chair says, "All three Dearborn high schools have service club volunteers helping us. Henry Ford College faculty and staff, also volunteer to help with the book sale."

Book sellers can enter the sale early for a $20 fee on Thursday, September 26th from 9-11 am. Otherwise, entry is free and hours are Thursday from 11 am – 7 pm; Friday 9 am - 7 pm, Saturday 9 am -3 pm and Sunday 11 am- 3pm. Books are priced reasonably at $2 for hardcovers and $1 for paperbacks, unless otherwise marked. Savatsky says, "We are a nonprofit local organization helping our community. Please come out and support our fundraising event. With so many books this year there is something for everyone. The final day of the sale, Sunday, is bag day. Fill one of our own new AAUW totes with books for $5, including the bag." Information about the sale is located on Facebook at http://Dearborn- mi.aauw.net or contact [email protected] .