13,000+ Montclair locals are already in the know—are you?
Stay informed with our free newsletters for the latest news, events, and local stories.
Social media isn’t fact-checking for you, but we are.
Join 13,000+ locals who trust our fact-based journalism delivered free to their inboxes.
Barbara Kalemkerian, Grace Ju, Shelley Sakolsky, Marie Meyer of The College Women’s Club of Montclair. (NANCY PERLMAN)
Although it’s been around for years, you may have never heard of the semi-annual Used Book, Movie & Music Sale hosted by the College Women’s Club of Montclair.
So what is it? It’s exactly what it sounds like. But the meaning behind it and the money raised through it are so much more.
The College Women’s Club of Montclair (CWCM) was founded on May 25, 1911. The first book sale was held in 1935.
We know you count on Montclair Local. Can we count on you?
Support the local journalism you rely on.
Come here often?
We’ve got a way to make getting the news easier.
“Its first objective,” the website reads, “promoting congenial sociability, expanded within the year to include a second, that of providing college scholarship aid to girls graduating from local high schools.”
Book Sale cartoon published in The Montclair Times in 1960. (COLLEGE WOMEN’S CLUB OF MONTCLAIR)
Naturally, the club grew and changed in its nearly 115 years, but helping young women pay for college has remained a primary objective.
In fact, in 2024, the group awarded over $44,000 in scholarships to college-bound seniors from local high schools. The 19 recipients hailed from Montclair, Glen Ridge, Cedar Grove and Verona High Schools. In 2025, awards of $39,000 were given to 25 students from the same schools, as well as Bloomfield High School. To date, the club has awarded $1.5 million in scholarships.
Volunteers Beret Erway and Shelley Sakolsky hard at work. Donations are categorized, sorted and priced entirely by volunteers to prepare for the upcoming sales.(NANCY PERLMAN)
Barbara Kalemkerian organizes CDs for sale. (NANCY PERLMAN)
The bulk of the funding for these scholarships–more than 90%–is raised through the club’s two used book sales. Twice each year, the club opens its doors for donations of thousands of hard and softcover books, DVDs, CDs, records, and audio books, sheet music, maps, postcards, and magazines from before 1980, all with some exceptions. The donations are then categorized, sorted and priced entirely by volunteers to prepare for the upcoming sales.
The sales, as well as everything else, are staffed by volunteers ranging in ages from junior high students to octogenarians. Working side by side, local folks come together to make the book sales and the club a success.
“The importance of the CWC is the scholarship award program, but it’s also a community project,” said Nancy Perlman, president, book sale co-chair and 30-year volunteer.
In addition to the book sales, the club also hosts a number of events throughout the year. These programs often include speakers presenting on topics relevant to local residents.
Membership is open to anyone holding a degree from an accredited college, university or other post-secondary institution.
Grace Ju holds up one of the great books for children that can be found at the sale. (NANCY PERLMAN)
Find Your Next Read
This year, the fall sale will be held on November 6th through 9th, with the following times and specifications:
- Thursday, November 6 (Opening Day): 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission prior to noon is $20. Scanner use is restricted.
- Friday, November 7: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, November 8: 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday, November 9: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The sale will be held at 26 Park Street, Montclair, in the Technopulp Building.
For more information about the sale, donations, volunteering or membership, visit the website.
You made it to the end — thank you. That means this story mattered to you. If you believe your community deserves this kind of independent, in-depth reporting, please chip in to support Montclair Local. We depend on readers like you.
Related
Before you comment on Montclair Local
Comments are moderated. Montclair Local reserves the right to delete or close comments on any story at any time. Please read our → Commenting Policy before commenting.