Raking leaves is one of those autumn rituals that signal the long Dakota winter's about to begin. Another fall tradition in Brookings is collecting books, the better to snuggle up with during that long, cold winter. The book-gathering is under way right now. The Brookings Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is currently collecting used books for the group's annual sale Nov. 12-14 .

Books may be donated at three locations: the customer service areas at Hy-Vee and Walmart and at the downtown location of First Bank & Trust. Donors may drop off books there until Nov. 11.

For larger donations, e-mail aauwbooks@mchsi.com to arrange for books to be picked up, or contact Evelyn Fee at 692-2936 or Roxanne Lucchesi at 692-3889 .

The AAUW book sale is being coordinated with the holiday open houses in Downtown Brookings. The sale will be held at the First Lutheran Church Activity Center at Main Avenue and Eighth Street. Sale hours will be Thursday from 5-8 p.m.; Friday from noon-7 p.m.; and Saturday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Many types of books will be available, including fiction, nonfiction , reference and children's titles. Books are reasonably priced. Proceeds from the sale support local scholarships and the branch's activities.