The University of Newcastle’s annual book fair, held on September 13, 2023, saw an impressive turnout of bibliophiles, with over 970 eager readers exploring a vast array of literature. The event, hosted in the Great Hall at Callaghan, offered more than 60,000 second-hand books, drawing in both seasoned attendees and newcomers alike.
Among the enthusiastic crowd was Jasmine Pryor, a long-time visitor who previously completed an honours thesis on Agatha Christie. On this occasion, she found herself captivated by the fast-paced novels of Clive Cussler. Balancing a precarious stack of over a dozen Cussler titles, she shared that she was picking up books for both herself and her mother, who was recuperating at home after a recent charity motorcycle ride. “Reading material would be just what the doctor ordered,” Ms. Pryor expressed, noting her newfound penchant for Cussler’s thrilling narratives.
The fair attracted a diverse range of participants, all united by the shared excitement of discovering hidden literary treasures. The event, organized by the Friends of the University of Newcastle, showcased the volunteers’ dedication to curating and cataloging donated books. The proceeds from the sale go toward funding ten hardship scholarships for students in need.
As Ms. Pryor navigated the tables filled with books organized by genre, she echoed a sentiment shared by many attendees. “I was trying to find her some more books, and I started reading them a little to get an idea of what she wanted. And then that got me hooked,” she said. The atmosphere was alive with the thrill of the hunt, as visitors roamed through the stacks, eager to uncover their next great read.
Long-time volunteer Linden Eley-Smith noted the common experience among attendees, many of whom left with far more than they had anticipated. “You would not believe the number of people who have an arm-load of books asking for a box and saying, ‘I only came for one,’” she remarked, as the line for the registers snaked around the hall. The sense of community and shared passion for reading added to the event’s charm, making it a leisurely experience for many.
Among the attendees was Nick Cope from Maitland, who typically frequents the music and history sections of the fair. Although luck was not on his side this year, his partner, Flavia Cope, managed to find several rare hardback books. “It’s a good thing, and it’s worth coming to,” Ms. Cope commented. “There are so many books that you can’t really look at everything. You have to just wander around.”
The four-day book fair, which began on Friday and runs until Monday, aims to cater to all tastes, with sections dedicated to various genres and even a room for vintage vinyl records and sheet music. Attendees appreciate the opportunity to explore, as the event fosters an environment where the joy of discovery takes precedence over the urgency to leave.
As the book fair continues, it not only reinforces the importance of reading in the community but also serves as a vital fundraising initiative for students facing financial difficulties. With each book purchased, attendees contribute to a meaningful cause while indulging their love of literature.
