Chris Buchert considers it the greatest form of recycling.

Buchert, vice president of the American Association of University Women, said the group’s 57th annual book sale benefits everyone involved: people donate their gently used books, puzzles, games, CDs and DVDs; the public buys the items; and the proceeds fund scholarships for local students.

Even the books that aren’t purchased find a home at the Lebanon Correctional Institute, she said.

The sale will be March 14-17 in the Elder-Beerman wing of the Towne Mall. Buchert estimated that there are more than 10,000 books and other items for sale, many at a fraction of their suggested retail sale price.

The organization has awarded thousands of dollars worth of scholarships through its book sale, according to Buchert. The group gives a $1,000 renewable scholarship to a first-generation college student; two $650 scholarships to non-traditional students; two scholarships that fund two middle school students to attend a math and science camp; and money to fund GED test fees for students in the Middletown adult education program.

Buchert, a retired kindergarten teacher, said there are about 70 women in the organization, and many of them volunteer at the book sale. The group’s goal, she said, is to advance equality for women and girls through advocacy, education and research.