More than 100,000 books for sale this weekend

Book-lovers and bargain-hunters will flock to The University of Queensland at St Lucia this weekend.

Rare books, well-loved classics, children’s books and much more will be on offer at the biennial UQ Alumni Book Fair and Rare Book Auction from Friday 3 May until Monday 6 May.

Alumni Friends of the University of Queensland president Dr Catherine Lawrence the volunteer-organised book fair raised money to support UQ’s work to create positive change.

“All profits go towards supporting research, empowering student success and providing transformational teaching spaces and learning opportunities at UQ,” she said.

 “We will have more than 100,000 books, DVDs, LPs and videos for sale, including a great number of children’s books.”

“I would encourage, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles to pop down and pick up a bargain from the vast array of works for kids – knowing that all proceeds will go towards funding initiatives that could help those same children in the future.”

A Rare Book Auction on the evening of 3 May will include collectors’ items relating to famous voyages, Gaussian mathematics and works distinguished by inscriptions, engravings and illustrations.

Fryer Library manager Mr Simon Farley said it was an honour for the library to host the auction.

“The Fryer Library houses UQ’s specialist collection of precious cultural items and celebrates print artefacts with deep human connections, so the Rare Book Auction complements our work beautifully,” Mr Farley said.

“It is wonderful to host an event that celebrates culture and collections that are deeply human – such as rare books with notes from famous historical figures.

“Alumni Friends has generously supported of the Fryer Library and UQ students for more than 50 years, and the library has thrived with the group’s valued support.”

Alumni Friends has donated more than $50,000 in the past year to support the development of the new Fryer Library Teaching Space that will improve student access to rare Australian works.

Alumni Friends member and Book Fair volunteer Mr Gary Lambrides said dedicated members volunteered thousands of volunteer hours to stage the event.

“I volunteer for this organisation because the work is fulfilling,” Mr Lambrides said.

“We recycle and repurpose these amazing works and the money goes back to support students.

“There are also many volunteers with no direct link to the University who just want to give back to the community, and this is a great way to be involved.”

The Rare Book Auction starts with a viewing at 4pm on Friday 3 May, followed by the auction at the Fryer Library from 6:30pm. A catalogue and absentee bidding form are available here.

The UQ Alumni Book Fair will be open at the UQ Centre from 9am to 9pm on Friday 3 May and 9am to 5pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday 4-6 May.

Parking on campus is free over the long weekend.

Media: Dr Catherine Lawrence, alumni@alumnifriendsuq.com, +61 7 3365 1561.