Friends of the LSU Libraries volunteer Judy Noland presented a check for $75,000 to Interim Dean of Libraries Elaine Smyth, at an April 27 reception held to thank them for their efforts in supporting the Libraries. The check represents the Friends’ year-long efforts that culminate in the popular annual Book Bazaar event, which was held in March.

Each year, the thousands of books are sold at the Book Bazaar, with everything from paperback bestsellers to rare books that are auctioned off. “One exciting event at this year’s Bazaar was the auction of a 1901 Gumbo,” said Anne West, who chaired the Bazaar. “It was a must-see book for many customers and resulted in a lively bidding war, finally selling for an amazing price of $2100!”

Proceeds from the bazaar go into an endowment that, over the years, has provided more than $1 million in support of library acquisitions and services. The endowment is currently valued at $2.2 million.

“Through the generosity of the Friends of LSU Libraries, we have been able to acquire rare and important items for the collections that we would not have been able to acquire otherwise,” states Head of LSU Libraries Special Collections Jessica Lacher-Feldman, “In addition, through their generosity, we have the opportunity to bring in a graduate assistant, the prestigious Goodrich-Taylor assistantship in Special Collections. This funding allows us to further our mission in collecting, preserving, and making available to the campus and to the world, our collections.”

Funds have also made it possible to acquire important collections of e-books in subjects ranging from engineering and materials science to finance and media technology. “These are important resources for us to have, as LSU expands its offerings in online learning,” notes Smyth.

The Friends of the LSU Libraries is a volunteer group, whose purpose is to support the LSU Libraries. The Friends also operate the Book Barn, which is open throughout the year for browsing and buying selected books in "The Attic" section of the Friends’ bookstore.

For more information about the Friends, please contact 578-5925 or email bbfriends@lsu.edu or visit their webpage. Sign up for the LSU Libraries e-newsletter to receive announcements with the dates of the next Book Bazaar.