Newman used book sale makes literature affordable

The 44 Annual Newman Used Book Sale will be held Friday through Sunday at the St. Thomas More University Parish and Catholic Student Center (STMUP), located at 1200 Oakland Ave.

On Friday, the book sale will be held from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.  

The Newman’s Used Book Sale is open to the Indiana community as well as IUP students.  

More than 100,000 donated books, sorted in to more than 30 categories, make up this sale along with DVD’s. VHS tapes, LP records, 45’s, games, CD’s and more.  Prices at the book sale range from 50 cents to $3.50; refreshments will be available. 

“The parish has worked very hard to make a success of the sale,” Maria Dietz of STMUP said, “and they do.”

On Sunday, STMUP offers a “Bag-Day Sale customers are invited to fill a Newman “Used Book Sale tote bag with items from the main lounge and tent for $6.  Customers may also fill a plastic grocery bag provided by the Newman’s Used Book Sale for $3. 

“The prices are so reasonable that people can buy and enjoy what they buy.” Dietz said.

Two side rooms of the STMUP’s lounge will be designated for the selling of items with better quality, new or rare books and other higher priced items.  

The first side room of the STMUP lounge will contain special collectors’ items and antique books. 

The second room, dedicated to children, will contain games, puzzles and books for children and teens. Depending on the size, these books range in price from 25 cents to $3. 

“If there’s anyone to name when talking about this book sale it’s Janet May and Crystal Deemer.” Dietz said.

“As co-chairs of the sale, they oversee everything. They have done an amazing job of running it. “

 IUP students with an I-Card will receive $1 off every $10 purchase.  All Used Book Sale purchases are final.

According to the STMUP website, the Newman Used Book Sale has become a “wonderful community event.”  

With the book sale being the only fundraiser held at STMUP, the proceeds from the sale go to STMUP to help support the services and programs they offer. 

All books in the sale are contributed by members of the Indiana community.  Books and other items, which are screened for damages and tears, are donated by individuals, schools, libraries, businesses and other interest groups.  

“Many people come from different states to buy books,” Dietz said.

“We’ve been around for so long, people just know what the sale is about.” 

Along with members of the STMUP parish, student groups also assist throughout the event.  

The book sale, according to the STMUP website, is not just a fundraiser but a community event offering opportunity for cooperation and fellowship among parish members, the IUP community and the Indiana community.