The recent Friends of the University Book Fair has raised $75,000 for student scholarships at the University of Newcastle.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nicholas Saunders, thanked the Friends of the University group for their efforts.

“The event was very successful and we would like to thank the Friends of the University for their tireless hard work and contribution once again.

“We appreciate that it takes this hardworking group of volunteers two years to prepare for the Book Fair.

“Money raised will help support student scholarships. Scholarships assist students with their studies and help with paying for items such as textbooks and equipment.”

Friends of the University President, Mr Vic Levi, was extremely happy with the success of this year’s Book Fair.

“We were really pleased with the turnout we had. On our first day we had hundreds of people lined up waiting to come in.

“We had not only had mums and dads but also their kids, not to mention students. The international students in particular told us that they loved the event – they found so many treasures.”

This year there were more than one million items for sale ranging from popular fiction, audio books, magazines, sheet music, records, CDs, DVDs and textbooks, all of which were donated by members of the community.

A number of rare publications were also featured including a historic pamphlet collection titled A Collection of Papers relating to the Present Juncture of Affairs in England. Other items included a 1970 first edition of A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess as well as a collection of music and lyrics from ABBA’s classic Arrival album authorised for sale only in Australia and New Zealand in 1976.

Since the formation of the Friends of the University group in 1981, the Book Fair, which is held once every two years, has raised more than $500,000 for the University.

Other projects funded by the Friends include a contribution towards the organ in the Great Hall, a woven tapestry, purchasing rare books for the University library and funding for the pavilion overlooking the University wetlands.