VCU news

By Brian McNeill

The Friends of VCU Libraries will host a massive fall book sale for the first time in two years to benefit VCU Libraries’ programs, as well as a variety of service projects of the VCU Emerging Leaders Program.

The book sale, which was on hiatus during construction of the newly expanded James Branch Cabell Library, will be held at Cabell Library’s third floor lecture hall from Thursday, Oct. 27, through Monday, Oct. 31, and will offer thousands of paperback and hardcover novels, poetry collections, history books, biographies, scholarly studies, cook books, children’s books and art books, as well as comic books, audio books, CDs, DVDs and rare and vintage finds.

“This sale will be a pleasant and comfortable outing in the search for fine books and perhaps that long sought first edition, a special record or tape, the elusive comic book, or perhaps that perfect coffee table book that says ‘classic,’” said Scott Tilley, co-chair of the book sale. “This is a great opportunity for the book lover, the casual reader, comic book aficionado, or [anyone who enjoys] just the fun of the search in an extensive inventory in the new building space on the third floor.”

The book sale is open to the public, though only current Friends of VCU Libraries donors may attend the preview sale from 9 a.m. to noon on the opening day. Anyone may join the Friends by making a $100 donation online in advance of the sale or may join at the door by cash, credit or check on the day of the preview sale.

Organizers say visitors can expect to find great deals at the book sale, including five comics for $1, hardcover books for $2, trade paperbacks for $1 and mass market paperbacks for 25 cents. And on the final day of the sale, patrons will be able to fill a bag with books for $5.

Proceeds from the book sale will go toward VCU Libraries and student-run initiatives of the VCU Emerging Leaders Program, which aims to influence the lives of young student leaders within VCU through a competitive mentoring program so that they may be enlightened, engaged and supported as a leader both at the university level and beyond.

“Each year, different projects are selected that will have an impact on the VCU campus and surrounding community,” said Jimmie Gahagan, Ph.D., director of VCU LEAD in the Division of Student Affairs. “The leadership projects give Emerging Leader students the opportunity to apply the skills they are learning in the classroom in a real-world setting. Past projects have led to the creation of Ram Camp, the VCU Lead Living and Learning Program, the Presidential Student Ambassadors and the Dominion Place Partnership.”

“By partnering with the Friends of the Library, the Emerging Leaders will develop a sustainable funding source for these projects in the future and help host a dynamic community focused event,” he said. “We believe that the partnership in hosting the Friends of VCU Libraries book sale will lead to additional opportunities to bring the members of the board together to work with VCU students in the future.”

For a full list of Emerging Leaders Program projects that will benefit from the book sale, visit: https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/news/2016/vcu-libraries-book-sale-benefits-these-student-run-initiatives.html.