Classic books cram HUB Ballroom

Pocket contents: pieces of lint, a Chap Stick and two quarters. There are two options: nourish your body or nourish your mind.

Until Wednesday, you will have that option.

The HUB Fishbowl has been transformed into a mini-bookstore with the 36th Annual American Association of University Women Used Book and Record Sale.

Not letting the best buys pass, about 350 people lined up by 9 a.m. Saturday morning for first crack at the prime pickings.

By 9:15 a.m., the line touched the HUB Information Desk because fire codes forbade any more people from entering the Ballroom.

Though most of the people crowding in the HUB at the early hour weren't students, a few student early-risers said they learned from their past mistakes.

"We came (late) last year, and all the good books were gone," said Jenny Turner (graduate-curriculum and instruction).

But that isn't for lack of material.

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.

"I own a wellness center in town, so I'm looking for books to go in my library," said Bobby Pfau, owner of Lifespirit Connections, 220-A S. Allen St. "I've never been here before, and my friends said I should get here early."

Chairperson Louise Tukey has been in charge of the sale since 1961. She said professionalism is the key to the sale's success.

"Ours is said to be one of the best, if not the best on the East Coast," Tukey said.

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.

"Ones that usually sell are in the arts, science fiction and cookbooks, and we have a good supply of all of that," Tukey said.

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.

"Paperbacks have to have a cover," she said. "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.

"Paperbacks are 50 cents, unless otherwise marked," Tukey said.

Prices get even lower tomorrow with half-price day tomorrow. The sale ends on Wednesday; a full grocery bag of books costs $5.

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.

"It's a big service project," said 3-year book sale veteran Anu Kedia (senior-chemical engineering), a member of Alpha Phi Omega.

New Alpha Phi Omega volunteers also look forward to the rewards.

"It's hard work, but it will be worth it in the end," said Sarah Fazzino (sophomore-East Asian studies and English).

Sale proceeds benefit the AAUW Educational Foundation Program as well as local libraries, educational assistance programs and service organizations.