5 things you might not know about the Chancellor's Committee Book Fair

The hugely popular Book Fair will take place in the University’s Great Hall from Saturday 14 September to Wednesday 18 September 2024. For the first time, the University is collaborating with Lifeline Sydney to deliver the Book Fair. In the lead up to the big day, we've pulled together five things you should know about the event.

The Book Fair began in 1986 

The Book Fair was originally called Bookfest, and was held in the foyer of the Stephen Roberts lecture theatre (since demolished to make space for the new Law School). Over the years students, staff, and the public have returned to the Book Fair to pick up anything from rare books to cheap textbooks and the humble novel. While you might not see VHS tapes for sale anymore, the University community’s love of books has lasted the test of time.

The Chancellor's Committee and Lifeline Syndey are teaming up

Historically, the Book Fair has been organised and fully staffed by the Chancellor’s Committee: a dedicated group of volunteers who encourage the community to visit the campus and raise funds to carry out projects to benefit the University. This year, for the first time, they will be supported by Lifeline Sydney. The University of Sydney and Lifeline Sydney both share a commitment to education, community engagement and mental health support awareness, meaning you can feel good about adding to your 'to read' pile.

The Book Fair is going cashless

For the first time in 2024, the Book Fair will go cashless. If you're keen to make a purchase, you'll need to make sure your bring your card. Where will those funds go? The Chancellor’s Committee will receive 50% of Book Fair sales to continue their support of a wide range of University projects and programs. Recently the Committee has supported the USYD Rocketry Team, who were crowned world champions at the 2022 Spaceport America Cup, and funded bursaries to support students affected by the floods. The remaining 50% will go to Lifeline Sydney, allowing them to provide Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Thousands of books are saved from landfill

The Book Fair has sustainability at its heart, reducing landfill by giving discarded books an opportunity to be rehomed. Previous years have seen over 50,000 books on sale, which if laid out end-to-end would be a mile of books. That’s a lot of books saved from landfill! The Chancellor's Committee has also used their stocks to donate fiction stock to Lismore Library, whose collection was badly damaged in the 2022 floods. 

Grab a bargain on the last two days 

While you can browse thousands of books for low prices throughout the Book Fair, those who visit on the last two days can pick up an extra bargain. Visitors can fill a box with books of their choice for just $10 on the Tuesday, and $5 on the Wednesday. That leaves you to choose your strategy: visit early and take first pick of the books, visit during the last two days to fill a box, or make multiple trips – if your bookshelf will allow it.

The Chancellor’s Committee Book Fair will take place from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm daily, on Saturday 14 September – Wednesday 18 September 2024.