Sep. 7—LIMA — Over the years, donations of hundreds of books have paved the way for women to obtain college scholarships. The American Association of University Women celebrated its annual book fair to help make a difference.

"We've done it for over 60 years," Organizer Sue Ann Shaw said. "The money goes to Allen County girls for college scholarships and they can get those twice. We even had one who is working on her doctorate and she came back to us for a scholarship. We collect books all summer long and we start from scratch every year — we sort, price them and get them ready for our book fair, which is always the week after Labor Day."

Shaw also said the organization has gifted 14 $1,500 scholarships this year.

"The book fair's going really well this year," Shaw said. "We always hope to be able to add more scholarships. At the end of the book fair, (if there are groups from the jail, the prison or homeless) they can come in at noon on Saturday. We will let them have some free books to take for that. We have about 10 groups that are coming in."

The event is held at the Lima Mall where the Elder Beerman store was previously located. Shaw thanked the mall for lending the space for the event.

The AAUW is a national organization with a local chapter. According to Shaw, the group focuses on helping women.

"We stand for a lot of things," Shaw said. "We look for equal pay for women. We are against human trafficking. We do a lot with women's rights on a national and local level. We do this big project then we get together for some social things and some informative programs throughout the year."

The book fair will continue from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information visit the AAUW's Facebook page at AAUW Lima — Annual Book Sale.

Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.