Book Bazaar at Mississippi College Produces Over $9,400

Mississippi College students Mary Beth Hughes of Denham Springs, Louisiana, Hannah Terry of Dallas, Texas, Ashley Bauer of Memphis, Tennessee and Elizabeth Langford of Portland, Oregon are satisfied customers at the university's 2014 Book Bazaar at Alumni Gym.

A 17-volume collection of legendary singers like Tony Bennett sold for $60. Two books signed by former President Jimmy Carter went for $30.

Those were among the items up for grabs at Mississippi College’s 7^th annual Book Bazaar. The three-day October event raised more than $9,400 to benefit the university’s Leland Speed Library.

“The plans are to use this profit in the continued enhancement of library resources and service for the MC community,” said library director Kathleen Hutchison. “The real success in the book sale is in the pleasure given to those who share our love of books and reading.”

The LP collection of legendary singers, the Carter books and “Southern Living Cookbooks” were among the popular items at the event’s silent auction. Library patrons submitted bids for other items ranging from a collection of Calvin & Hobbes comics to a 1911 novel about Peter Pan.

The silent auction alone generated $1,300, said Leland Speed library acquisitions associate Lisa Rutledge.

Book Bazaar committee members, including chair Wandy Mosley, Paula Brown, Julie Thornton, Rutledge, Mary Walker, Gwen Everhardt and Ben Van Horn worked tirelessly to guarantee the event’s success at Alumni Gym October 9-11, Hutchison said.

There was a record of more than 18,000 items on sale to Mississippi College faculty, staff and students as well as the public at rock bottom prices. Some books went for as little as 50 cents and $1. About 10,000 items were sold over the three days.

The Mississippi College Book Bazaar can utilize some of the items that didn’t sell for next year’s event.

“We are considering moving the event to the Spring although no definite plans have been made,” Hutchison said.