The University of Newcastle’s annual book fair attracted an enthusiastic crowd on September 13, 2023, with over 970 eager readers sifting through an impressive collection of more than 60,000 books. The event, held in the university’s Great Hall at Callaghan, showcased a diverse range of genres, drawing in both long-time supporters and new visitors alike.
Jasmine Pryor, a former student who completed an honours thesis on the works of Agatha Christie, found herself returning to the fair with a specific mission. With her arms overflowing with over a dozen novels by thriller author Clive Cussler, she was on the lookout for reading material to cheer up her mother, who was recovering at home after a recent charity motorcycle ride. “I was trying to find her some more books, and I started reading them a little to get an idea of what she wanted,” Ms Pryor shared. Her venture into Cussler’s world of intrigue was a departure from her usual Christie novels, but she quickly found herself captivated.
The fair was organized by the Friends of the University of Newcastle, who have shifted the event from a biennial to an annual format this year. The volunteers meticulously collect and catalogue donated books, with proceeds funding 10 hardship scholarships for students facing financial difficulties. The atmosphere at the fair was electric, with bibliophiles eagerly hunting for hidden gems among the tables.
Linden Eley-Smith, a long-time volunteer, noted that many attendees leave with far more than they intended. “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, reflecting on the joy of the hunt. The fair’s vibrant energy was evident as the queue for the cash register often snaked around the entire hall, with patrons patiently waiting to check out their finds.
Among the attendees was Nick Cope from Maitland, who typically looks for music and history books at the fair. This year, he was browsing a collection of historic newspaper editions while his partner, Flavia Cope, stumbled upon several rare hardbacks. “It’s a good thing, and it’s worth coming to,” she said, appreciating the vast selection that requires a leisurely exploration of the venue.
The four-day book fair opened on Friday and will continue until Monday, offering ample opportunity for book lovers to discover literary treasures and support a good cause. As the event unfolds, it not only highlights the love for literature but also reinforces the community’s commitment to supporting students in need through the power of reading.
