The University of Newcastle’s annual book fair attracted a vibrant crowd on September 13, 2023, in Callaghan, with over 972 attendees eager to explore the vast array of titles available. This year, the fair featured more than 60,000 second-hand books, creating an enticing treasure hunt for bibliophiles.
Among the visitors was Jasmine Pryor, a familiar face at the fair. A former student who completed an honours thesis on the works of Agatha Christie, she visited with her arms filled with novels by thriller writer Clive Cussler. “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 explained. Her mother, recovering from a recent charity motorcycle ride, would surely appreciate the reading material.
Transitioning from Christie to Cussler was a new experience for Ms Pryor. “Cussler is more intrigue and twists, whereas Agatha is more… you can see yourself in a coffee shop watching it all unfold,” she noted. This sentiment resonated with many attendees drawn to the fair, united by a shared love of literature and the thrill of discovery.
The event, organized by the Friends of the University of Newcastle, marked a shift to an annual schedule instead of the previous biennial format. Proceeds from the sale support ten hardship scholarships for students struggling financially, underscoring the fair’s community-focused mission.
Long-time volunteer Linden Eley-Smith observed the common phenomenon of attendees leaving with 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, as the lively atmosphere buzzed around her. The queues for the registers often stretched around the hall, illustrating the fair’s popularity.
Visitors like Nick Cope from Maitland typically sought out specific sections, such as music and history. This year, he found himself drawn to a collection of historic newspaper editions. While he did not uncover any rare finds, his partner, Flavia Cope, delighted in discovering several rare hardbacks. “It’s a good thing, and it’s worth coming to,” she said, emphasizing the fair’s expansive offerings.
The four-day event, which began on Friday, September 12, 2023, runs until Monday, providing ample opportunity for attendees to browse the diverse selection. With a dedicated room featuring vintage vinyl records and sheet music as well, the fair caters to various tastes, ensuring there is something for everyone.
As the fair continues, the sense of community and shared passion for literature remains palpable. Attendees find joy not just in the books they purchase but in the experience of exploring the stacks together. The University of Newcastle’s book fair stands as a testament to the enduring love of reading and the importance of supporting students in need.
