Book lovers across Ross County can start clearing shelf space: the Chillicothe Branch of the American Association of University Women will hold its 62nd annual used book sale from Oct. 23 through Oct. 31 at Scioto Township Hall, 164 S. Watt St. in Chillicothe. The nine-day sale will offer thousands of donated books priced at $1 or less, according to a community announcement.
Organizers say the sale is designed to encourage reading while supporting educational opportunities in the community — a mission the Chillicothe branch has pursued for decades. Founded in 1951, the branch is marking its 75th year of service with projects focused on local residents, and the book sale remains its signature fundraiser.
Some shoppers will not pay anything at all. Children attending the sale can select a free book along with a stuffed animal “Book Buddy,” and teachers may choose up to 10 free books for their classrooms. Veterans and first responders may also receive free books as a gesture of appreciation for their service.
Books from the sale reach beyond the hall as well. Organizers say books will be distributed to several community groups: Bibles will be donated locally, while cookbooks will be provided to food banks and produce markets, putting donated volumes to work in homes and pantries across the area.
The money raised does its own traveling. Proceeds from the annual sale help fund scholarships for women and men attending Ohio University Chillicothe, supporting local students pursuing a degree close to home.
Proceeds also support scholarships for middle school girls to attend the BeWISE (Women in Science Education) Math & Science summer camp at Muskingum University, an experience aimed at keeping girls engaged in science and mathematics during the middle school years.
With nine days to browse and most books priced at a dollar or less, the sale has room for both serious collectors and casual readers stocking up for winter. The 62nd annual sale runs Oct. 23-31 at Scioto Township Hall in Chillicothe — and for teachers, children, veterans and first responders, some of the best finds on the tables will be free.