Berks Book Bonanza organizers have calculated the totals from the latest sale and plan to distribute $40,000 to each of the two sponsoring organizations following the highly successful fundraiser in July.

The July sale was the first five-day operation held at Book Bonanza's new home in the County of Berks South Campus building. Book Bonanza vice president Judy Ellsworth noted that attendees on opening day lined up on the sidewalk down the length of the building.

Ellswoth reported that shopper excitement continued over the other sale days with thousands turning out to secure bargains and support two local nonprofits. The Friends of Berks County Public Libraries and local branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) have assisted with the sale for decades, and each receive an equal distribution of money raised from the annual sale.

Each organization, in turn, distributes those funds back into the community through direct aid to public libraries in Berks County and providing scholarships to local women seeking higher education.

Organizers are already planning for next year's sale. Berks Book Bonanza will begin accepting donations on Mondays and Tuesdays, Sept. 8 through Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to noon, with the exception of Monday holidays. Collections will resume in the spring with expanded hours.