“We have a lot of art and cinema books this year, but we really do have everything — biographies, children’s books, cook books, tons of mystery and fiction books and so much more,” says Susan Hawke, BA 74, book lover, librarian and chief organizer of the fundraiser for the last decade and a half.
- For the first time, the sale will be held in the Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex atrium.
Prices start at $3, with textbooks at $8 and art books from $10 to $15 each.
All funds go to the Multi-Faith Chaplaincy's Student Emergency and Food Fund and the Used Book Fair Scholarship, which Hawke initiated in 2003.
Preparing to pass the torch – and looking for help
After more than 36 years at the university, Hawke will be retiring in a few months from her position as librarian at Concordia’s Career Resource Centre.
A tireless volunteer herself, she loves organizing and working with her team of book fair volunteers. As many as 60 help out during the actual sale, but Hawke relies most heavily on a small group who work alongside her throughout the year preparing for the event.
As she prepares to wrap up her career, several of them have recently moved on.
“I’d like to keep the book fair alive, but it takes a lot of volunteer support throughout the year. If anyone out there would like to join the team — or even try it out — please get in touch with me,” urges Hawke. (Email her at susan.hawke@concordia.ca.) Tasks include sorting through donated books and lifting boxes.
“I’m so grateful for all the people and departments who’ve made the book fair a success for the last 19 years,” she says.
“I’ve always thought of the book fair as a three-way win,” Hawke says. “People love their books and don’t want to throw them out, so we’re like an adoption agency, taking them in and finding good homes — at the same time raising funds for very worthwhile causes and providing our students with very affordably priced books.”
19th Annual Used Book Fair:
- Monday and Tuesday, October 5 and 6
- 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex atrium (1515 St. Catherine W.).