One of my favorite things to do in February every year is attend the VNSA Book Sale. The VNSA Book sale is a 2 day sale event and the proceeds of the sale benefit Valley human service agencies. The dollars donated to community programs has increased significantly over the years. Since the first VNSA Used Book Sale in 1957, VNSA has returned more than $6,000,000 to local nonprofit human service agencies in our community!
The reason I love this sale is not only knowing it is for a great cause, the prices are awesome! The best day to make sure you get the best books is on Saturday (and be in line before it opens). But if you are willing to wait until day two, you will find all books for half off!! You can get books from $.50-$2.00!
They have all genres of books which include childrens, cooking, how to, text books and rare finds.
Bring a book cart to hold all your books as sometimes the carts are rare. Also, prepare to be there at least for a few hours if you are a book lover.
Here are some FAQ from the VNSA website:
What forms of payment can I use at the Book Sale?
VNSA wants to make your shopping experience as easy as possible. We accept:
Cash
Local Checks with proper ID
VISA and MasterCard
Debit Cards with a VISA or MasterCard logo
What forms of payment can I use at the Book Sale?
VNSA wants to make your shopping experience as easy as possible. We accept:
Cash
Local Checks with proper ID
VISA and MasterCard
Debit Cards with a VISA or MasterCard logo
Can I ship books from the sale?
Yes. Shipping services will be available both days. For more information, contact info@vnsabooksale.org
How much will a paperback cost at the sale?
Most all paperbacks are $1.50 this year.
What services are provided?
Shopping carts are available and holding areas are provided where you may leave your books while you continue to shop. Handouts with a map and category descriptions are available. There is an information table where you can ask questions. There are designated drive-up loading zones where volunteers are available to help load your purchases into your vehicle.
Is there an admission charge for the sale?
There is no admission charge for the Book Sale. The Fairgrounds does charge a fee to park. VNSA does not receive any of the parking money and has no control over it.
Will I have a long wait to enter the Sale?
It depends on when you arrive. Many shoppers strive to be first in line because they are seeking particular books. Some of these people arrive up to 10 hours before our opening, and they have done this for several years. They bring a lawn chair, a blanket, and a thermos of coffee—and maybe a flashlight and a book to read to pass the time.
If you arrive Saturday at opening time, you will probably experience quite a delay in entering the sale. The fire marshal monitors the flow of traffic into and out of the building so that it never becomes dangerously overcrowded. Even though the lines are long, many of our shoppers expect the wait and tell us it is well worth it. VNSA provides maps of the Sale layout, and we distribute these to those in line, so you can use your waiting time to plan your shopping schedule.
Of course, we have no way of knowing how the lines will be at any specific time. Usually by Saturday afternoon the lines are short or gone, and people find they can enter the Sale without delay.
Sunday is becoming a more popular time to shop for our half-price bargains, and we have a line that forms prior to opening. But we find that lines on Sunday tend to be shorter and move faster than on Saturday.
What if it rains?
The Exhibit Building is a well constructed building where the books are sheltered from the weather. The Book Sale is held regardless of weather.
The lines form in open areas, so if it is raining you may wish to bring some rain gear.
Where does VNSA get its books?
All the books at the VNSA Book Sale have been donated by the public in our area. We receive books and related items from individuals, businesses, schools, libraries and other interested groups. Books are screened as they are received so that water damaged, excessively soiled or torn books are not kept for the Sale. Whenever possible, VNSA donates books unsuitable for sale to other nonprofit organizations who may have a use for them.
Do you provide services for large purchasers?
Yes, people who buy in bulk are provided a separate holding and checkout area.
Is the event handicapped accessible?
Yes, the building is handicapped accessible; however, VNSA does not provide wheelchairs or other devices.
Do you have a preview sale?
No. VNSA wants everyone to have an equal opportunity to purchase books at the sale. Entry to the Sale is based on first-come, first-served.
What happens to left-over books after the sale?
VNSA does not carry books forward to the next year’s sale, except for specific, unusual books. Books at the Sale are sold or donated to nonprofit groups. Arrangements for disposal of books are made months in advance of the sale.
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