Book Bazaar Welcomes MC Family and Jackson Area Community

Roger Walker, a staff member in the MC Office of Academic Affairs, loads up on history books at MC's Book Bazaar, part of the university's 2012 Homecoming Oct. 25-27. Proceeds from the event benefit MC's Leland Speed Library.

Lingshan Song walked away from Mississippi College’s Book Bazaar last year with some outstanding works by writer C.S. Lewis.

This year, she’s back at Alumni Gym shopping for more gems at bargain prices.

The fourth annual Book Bazaar is attracting hundreds of visitors today and Saturday after a sneak preview for faculty and staff Thursday afternoon. Banana nut muffins, brownies and other free goodies made the visit especially sweet for members of the MC family.

Last year’s event raised a record of $11,000 for Mississippi College’s Leland Speed Library. Kathleen Hutchison, the library director is hoping for a nice turnout at the event that’s part of the university’s 2012 Homecoming October 25-27.

The book fair is open to all shoppers, whether they are students, faculty, staff, alumni or area residents. Hours are 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Friday and on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

There are books available for just about every taste.

Roger Walker, a staff member in the office of academic affairs, got his arms loaded with U.S. history books. “I try to stay focused on one area,” he said.

It’s hard to beat the prices. Hardbacks sell for $2, and softbacks go for $1.

Another major part of the Book Bazaar is the silent auction. Items up for bid include such books as “The Encyclopedia of Jazz & Blues” by Keith Shadwick, and a record album titled “Walt Disney’s Happiest Songs.” Signed copies of John Grisham’s legal thrillers were available, too. So was the chance to bid on an evening dinner in Jackson’s Fondren neighborhood with award-winning Clinton artist Wyatt Waters.

Cindy Bolls, a staffer in the registrar’s office, made some excellent choices for her two grandkids. She purchased the “Jungle Book” and “101 Dalmatians.”

Other shoppers spotted searching for book bargains included Department of Communication Chairman Cliff Fortenberry and his wife, Melanie, director of the Human Services Administration program, and Trisha Daniel, resident director at Hederman-Gunter Hall.

Friends of the Leland Speed Library, teams of library volunteers, and assistance from the university’s physical plant staff help make the Mississippi College Book Bazaar a success every year.

For more information, contact Kathleen Hutchison at 601.925.3870 or khutchis@mc.edu.