Phoenix's annual paradise for bibliophiles is back this weekend with the 67th Annual VNSA Used Book Sale at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. As reported by AZFamily, the much-anticipated event will run tomorrow, February 10, through Sunday, February 11, with doors opening at 8 a.m. on both days. If you're aiming to snag that must-have read, keep in mind, gates open bright and early at 5 a.m., and as much as it might appeal to the dedicated, overnight camping is a no-go.
Entry to the event won't cost you a penny – that's right, it's free. But there's a catch, parking comes at a $12 fee, so carpooling might be the savvy move. Staggering discounts await eager shoppers, with some books marked as low as $1 and a half-price bonanza on Sunday for the thrifty-at-heart, though the 'rare and unusual' finds stand firm on price. With 29 categories to choose from, whether you're hunting for children's stories or delving into historical epics, there's something on the shelves for you, the VNSA Book Sale chair highlighted a particularly tempting array this year – signed 1st editions from political heavyweights, as AZFamily reported.
Organized by the Volunteer Non-Profit Service Association's (VNSA) cadre of over 120 members, the sale isn't just about feeding literary appetites; it's been a lifeline for local non-profits. The VNSA has donated more than $9.5 million garnered from sales over the years. Beneficiaries include organizations such as Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County, Duet: Partners in Health & Aging, and The Phoenix Conservatory of Music. If that isn't a reason to turn the page on any weekend plans and head to the fairgrounds, I don't know what is.
For the planners out there, you might want to pencil this into your schedule. According to the event's official website azstatefair.com, "Because VNSA wants everyone to have an equal opportunity to purchase books at the sale, we do NOT provide a Preview Sale to the public." And take note, the times listed are subject to change – so stay alert, lest your perfect book sale experience gets a last-minute plot twist.
