More than 100,000 books and 2,000 records donated year-round by the community are available, drawing in book lovers and professional dealers well beyond the reaches of Centre County. Chairperson Louise Tukey has been in charge of the sale since 1961. She said professionalism is the key to the sale's success. She also said the reason the sale is so popular is because it is what is called a clean sale, meaning the books are in top condition and the selection is diverse. With the help of two assistants who picked up the books everyday from the North Sparks Street donation site, three truckloads of books were delivered to the HUB on Friday for a second chance at literary life.
Rare books have to be in good condition and their prices are looked up in guides.
While rare books may cost a little more than some students are willing to pay, the majority of the books don't cost more than a lunch at the Cellar. Prices get even lower tomorrow with half-price day tomorrow. While bargain hunters come to bulk up their literary collections, others participate for different reasons. Members of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity and Air Force ROTC worked an assembly line production to set up tables for the sale. New Alpha Phi Omega volunteers also look forward to the rewards.