Lots of cheap books at the VNSA Book Sale
Bookworms, listen up. It’ll take every ounce of determination to not spend half a paycheck on items at the 2019 VNSA Used Book Sale on Saturday, Feb. 9, and Sunday, Feb. 10.
Every year, the Volunteer Nonprofit Service Association holds a book sale with gently-used bargain books, records, board games and more for all ages. And the best part is, admission is free, and all profits are donated to the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, which promotes education and well-being of children in Arizona foster care, and the Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County, an organization that provides adult literacy services.
“On average, the two-day sale raises $350,000 for charities,” says Teri Harnisch, a VNSA volunteer for more than 15 years.
“The books and items we sell come from homes of the community every year,” she says. “It really is a community effort and we are really appreciative for making it happen.”
For newcomers, the large book sale might be a little overwhelming. But here are five things to know about the 63rd annual event before grabbing a pile of book bags.
The building location changed
The book sale is still at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, but it won’t be in the same yellow building. This year the event is in the Ag Center which is bigger than the old space because two big buildings are connected, spreading out the merchandise.
Most people might come from the parking lots near 19th Avenue, but the building is located near the corner of McDowell Road and 17th Avenue
There will be clearly marked signs that direct people to the right area. So, VNSA sale veterans, don’t run ahead to the old building.
Prices to expect
People should expect a bargain from retail prices for all its items. Books are marked with a price sticker except for the books in sets. Any unmarked, standard size paperbacks are $2.
On Sunday everything is half off except for the rare and unusual books, so patient shoppers who don’t mind picking through “leftovers” will get a huge discount. But don’t be too worried, as there usually are plenty of items to look through.
Cash, local checks and VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express cards are accepted for the merchandise.
There is an $8 parking fee that supports the fairgrounds.
The best times to go
On Saturday, the sale lasts from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., and on Sunday it’s open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For a sale this big, people might get in line overnight.
Harnisch said not everyone in line early will get through the doors immediately. Most of the people who get there by 5 a.m. get in the building or close to it, but those who arrive between 8 and 11 a.m. might have to wait an hour or two. Check the VNSA Used Book Sale Facebook page at facebook.com/ vnsausedbooksale for updates, too.
Security will be there
A security checkpoint will greet guests at the entrance. People can bring in a sealed water bottle and things to pack their goodies in like tote bags, wheelie bags and red wagons.
What they ask of shoppers
As excited as people might be, please don’t run. Keep an eye on items because anything unattended in boxes or carts will be resorted and restocked.
Guests must pay for purchases in the rare and unusual, sets, and text categories in their respective areas before re-entering the main section of the sale.
People have access to shopping carts, drive-up loading zones, information tables and maps for the sale, handicapped entrance and large purchasers’ sorting areas.
VNSA doesn’t carry books into next year’s sale, except for specific, rare and unusual books. Books left after the event are sold to a bulk purchaser.