The 41st annual Friends of the LSU Libraries’ Book Bazaar will be held on March 9 through March 11 at the University’s 4-H Mini Barn and Nelson Memorial Auditorium. The hours for the event will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on March 9, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 10 and 11.
The LSU Libraries has had the support of the volunteer organization for over 50 years. The organization has participated in fundraising, public outreach and volunteering for the libraries to assist developing and maintaining facilities, services and resources.
Books are collected and priced throughout the year, leading up to the event, Director of Library Communications and Publications Sigrid Kelsey said. She said the bazaar will include more than 70,000 books for sale, including nonfiction, fiction, novels, cookbooks and children’s books. Additionally, the bazaar will also have vinyl records and textbooks available for sale.
Kelsey said prices depend on the categories and conditions of the material. While most books can be purchased for no more than $4, she said, rare editions and collector’s books will also be available.
Proceeds from the event will be put into an endowment that is currently valued at $2.2 million and has provided $1 million in support in allowing LSU Libraries to purchase resources, according to Kelsey.
Last year, the event’s proceeds were used by LSU Libraries to purchase historical research materials, including parts three through five of the British Library Newspapers.
Users can now research more than 160 newspapers, thanks to the addition of 94 19th century British newspapers. These collections provide research for disciplines like history, literature, Victorian studies and political science.
Proceeds from the event have also helped LSU Libraries to purchase e-books for use.
“The LSU Libraries truly appreciates the generosity and hard work of the Friends organization and all the support that their book bazaar has been able to provide us over the years,” Kelsey said.
The event is free and open to the public.