By Clare Marie Celano
Correspondent
FREEHOLD – Area residents will have the opportunity to indulge in their love of the printed word at the annual American Association of University Women (AAUW) book sale that will run from June 22-25 in Freehold Borough.
Guests will have an opportunity to peruse thousands of books when the book sale returns to the First United Methodist Church, 91 W. Main St. The book sale has been a staple in Freehold Borough for more than four decades.
Titles will be offered in every genre, including anthropology, art, biography, business, fantasy fiction, crime thrillers, horror, politics, psychology, mystery, hobbies, sports, science fiction, romance and self-help, among others. Children’s books and books for parents and expectant parents will be available.
On June 22, a preview of the book sale will be held from 1-8 p.m. Admission to the preview is $10. Admission to the book sale is free at all other times: June 23-24 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and June 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., when attendees may fill a bag with books for $5. Bags will be provided at the sale. The church is air conditioned.
Most books will sell for between 50 cents and $2; children’s books will sell for between 25 cents and $1.50; and specialty books, such as coffee table books and books that are more than 50 years old, will be priced a bit higher, according to the event’s organizers.
AAUW member Deidre McNamara said the members of the organization are grateful that people in the community support the book sale.
“The proceeds of our book sale support one outstanding female student in each of the six Freehold Regional High School District schools and women over the age of 25 who are returning to college to pursue their undergraduate studies and graduate degrees,” she said.
McNamara said that unique to the 2016 sale are boxes of romance novels, books about Jewish culture, and specially priced books which will be treasured collectibles, including rare editions.
She said the AAUW is sponsoring an eighth grade girl to attend Tech Trek at Stockton University, Galloway Township, this summer.
“Tech Trek is a one-week, hands-on STEM program experience that prepares the students for a world that encourages and empowers them to think about themselves as future scientists, mathematicians and engineers,” McNamara said. “It encourages girls to think about going into the fields of science, technology, math and engineering.”
The book sale has been held in Freehold Borough since 1973, according to McNamara, who said the AAUW is the oldest national organization dedicated to the advancement of women. The organization advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research.