Phoenix, AZ, February 14, 2026
The VNSA Used Book Sale, Arizona’s largest used book fair, returns to the Arizona State Fairgrounds this Valentine’s Day weekend. This annual event, organized by the Volunteer Nonprofit Service Association, showcases the power of volunteerism while raising funds for local charities. With over 500,000 items available and free admission, attendees can enjoy affordable literature while supporting the community. The fair highlights over 69 years of local initiative that positively impacts the Phoenix area.
Phoenix, AZ
Arizona’s Premier Used Book Fair Ignites Community Spirit This Valentine’s Weekend
The highly anticipated VNSA Used Book Sale, Arizona’s largest used book fair, returns to the Arizona State Fairgrounds this Valentine’s Day weekend, offering a treasure trove for bibliophiles and a significant boost for local charities. This annual event exemplifies how dedicated volunteerism and individual initiative can profoundly impact community well-being and foster civic engagement.
The Volunteer Nonprofit Service Association (VNSA) orchestrates this massive undertaking, showcasing the power of sustained grassroots efforts to generate substantial benefits for Phoenix-area human service organizations. The fair not only provides an accessible platform for individuals to enrich their personal libraries but also channels community generosity into vital support for those in need, highlighting a model of private action for public good.
A Legacy of Local Initiative: The VNSA Story
The VNSA Used Book Sale boasts a rich history, with the 2026 event marking its 69th annual occurrence. Originating over 65 years ago as the Visiting Nurse Service Auxiliary, the organization adapted its mission in the mid-1980s, evolving into the Volunteer Nonprofit Service Association while retaining its recognizable initials. This enduring legacy underscores the adaptability and resilience of local volunteer groups in addressing community needs, often more efficiently than expansive bureaucratic structures. The book fair has become an Arizona tradition, with many attendees recounting memories of visiting as children.
Community Driven, Volunteer Powered
The immense scale of the VNSA Used Book Sale is a testament to the dedication of its entirely volunteer-run force. With no paid staff, VNSA relies on over 130 volunteers who work year-round to collect, sort, price, and store an impressive volume of books and other media. These volunteers empty drop boxes, perform home pickups, and meticulously categorize hundreds of thousands of items into 27 distinct sections, filling numerous semi-trailers in preparation for the sale. This level of personal commitment and coordinated effort demonstrates how a highly motivated group of citizens can achieve remarkable civic innovation and foster a vibrant community spirit. Volunteers accrue 50 points of service annually, equivalent to approximately 50 hours of work.
An Economic Engine for Philanthropy
The VNSA Used Book Sale is more than just an opportunity to find affordable reads; it is a significant charitable endeavor. Proceeds from the sale exclusively benefit local nonprofit human service charities in Maricopa County. In 2025, the sale featured over 500,000 books, DVDs, and CDs, along with 2,000 jigsaw puzzles, attracting more than 12,000 shoppers and raising over $535,000 for these vital organizations. Since its inception in 1957, VNSA has contributed more than $10 million to local nonprofit organizations.
The benefitting charities for the 2025 and 2026 sales include Duet – Partners in Health & Aging, Literacy Phoenix (formerly Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County), and Phoenix Conservatory of Music. These funds provide crucial support, enabling these organizations to deliver essential services that uplift individuals and strengthen the fabric of the community, showcasing the tangible benefits of private charitable initiatives.
A Hub for Community and Affordability
The book fair, held at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, is designed to be accessible to all, with free admission for shoppers. This commitment to affordability ensures that literature and learning are available across all economic spectrums, promoting individual intellectual growth and cultural engagement. Prices for items are significantly reduced from retail, with many books selling for under $5. Unmarked standard-size paperbacks are priced at $3.00. A special incentive, half-price Sunday on remaining items (excluding the Rare & Unusual section), further enhances accessibility and value.
The sale offers a vast array of genres, from classic literature, science fiction, romance novels, and western fiction to art and photography books, textbooks, manuals, cookbooks, and materials on philosophy, religion, science, technology, history, and travel. Foreign language books, children’s books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, and vinyl records are also available, ensuring a diverse selection for every interest. While parking at the Arizona State Fairgrounds incurs a $12 fee, this charge supports the Fairgrounds directly, not VNSA, underscoring the collaborative nature of this large-scale event.
Supporting Phoenix’s Future Through Books and Benevolence
The VNSA Used Book Sale represents more than a transactional event; it is a demonstration of collective personal initiative and the positive outcomes that arise when individuals unite for a common cause. By supporting this unique Phoenix AZ event, attendees not only discover new literary adventures but also contribute directly to the vitality of their community. It exemplifies how local leadership and private partnerships can thrive, creating a cycle of generosity that benefits everyone. Engaging with such Arizona AZ gatherings fosters a sense of shared purpose and reinforces the idea that robust communities are built from the ground up through active participation and self-reliance.
We encourage everyone to explore the vast selections available and become a part of this enduring local tradition. Your participation helps sustain vital human service charities and underscores the profound impact of civic involvement. Consider volunteering, donating books throughout the year, or simply attending to find your next great read. Your engagement helps reinforce the community spirit that makes Phoenix vibrant.
Frequently Asked Questions about the VNSA Used Book Sale
- What is the VNSA Used Book Sale?
- The VNSA Used Book Sale is Arizona’s largest used book fair, organized by the Volunteer Nonprofit Service Association (VNSA).
- When and where does the VNSA Used Book Sale take place?
- The 69th annual VNSA Used Book Sale takes place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix, AZ.
- Is there an admission fee for the book fair?
- Admission to the VNSA Used Book Sale is free.
- Is there a parking fee?
- Yes, the Arizona State Fairgrounds charges a parking fee, which is $12.00 per day for the 2026 Book Sale.
- What kinds of items are available at the sale?
- The sale features over 500,000 books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, vinyl records, jigsaw puzzles, games, and maps across 27 categories.
- Do proceeds from the sale go to charity?
- Yes, all proceeds from the annual VNSA Used Book Sale benefit local nonprofit human service charities in Maricopa County.
- Which charities benefit from the VNSA Used Book Sale?
- Benefitting charities for the 2025 and 2026 sales include Duet – Partners in Health & Aging, Literacy Phoenix, and Phoenix Conservatory of Music.
- Can individuals volunteer for the VNSA Used Book Sale?
- Yes, VNSA is an all-volunteer organization that relies on volunteers for all aspects of the book sale. Volunteers commit to a minimum of 50 hours of service annually.
- Are there any discounts during the sale?
- Yes, all items are half-price all day Sunday, except for books in the Rare & Unusual section.
Key Features of the VNSA Used Book Sale
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | VNSA Used Book Sale |
| Location | Arizona State Fairgrounds, Phoenix, AZ |
| Dates | February 14-15, 2026 |
| Hours (Saturday) | 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. |
| Hours (Sunday) | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Parking Fee | $12.00 (charged by Fairgrounds) |
| Number of Items | Over 500,000 (books, CDs, DVDs, etc.) |
| Number of Categories | 27 |
| Volunteer-Run | Yes, entirely volunteer-run with over 130 volunteers |
| Charitable Beneficiaries | Local nonprofit human service charities in Maricopa County (e.g., Duet, Literacy Phoenix, Phoenix Conservatory of Music) |
| Sunday Discount | Half-price on most remaining items |
| Historical Impact | Over $10 million raised for local nonprofits since 1957 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Events Regularly With Prizes — island nation Collect Bonus
Phoenix Thrives with Vibrant Community and Cultural Events
Arizona Athletics: Rising Talent and Economic Impact
Man Charged with Murder in Phoenix Home Invasion Incident
Ongoing Promotions And Commitment Curriculum _ England Win Big Today
What Client Hold Up Alternative Equal Available At TTJL Gambling Casino . ca Sign Up Today
Mesa Business Reclaims Online Presence After Suspension
SUNY Niagara Cancels Evening LPN Classes, Leaving Students Disappointed
Data Center Development Poised to Transform Beaver Dam
Arizona’s ESA Program Faces Scrutiny Over Minor Payments
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
