Friends of the University Annual Book Fair

The Friends of the University Annual Book Fair returns to the Great Hall at the University of Newcastle's Callaghan campus from Friday 11 to Tuesday 15 September. It's a fundraiser, and the proceeds go toward student scholarships at the university — 11 awards across nursing, education, business, law, psychology, computing and environmental sustainability, each worth A$5,000 a year. The 2025 fair raised almost A$98,000, so your browsing does a fair bit of good.

There are more than 40,000 second-hand books laid out, and it's not just books: CDs, DVDs, games, puzzles, music scores and records are in the mix too. A kiosk serving drinks and refreshments will be running near the Great Hall over the weekend, so you can take a break and have a cuppa between the rows. The real draw is the rare and unusual stuff donated by the Hunter community. This year's highlights include a Bible and prayer book from the ship Sierra Nevada, Fashion in the Time of Fascism, a three-volume set of Paxton's Flower Garden and two rare First World War volumes of 7th F.A.B. Yandoo.

Convenor Lesley Gent says the Friday night opening draws hundreds, with almost 40 per cent of the money raised in the first four hours, so if you're after the best of the rare finds, that's the night to be there. The 2026 fair had a bit of a logistical shift behind the scenes, moving its sorting area from the Bowman Building to the Industry Development Centre.

It runs for five days: Friday 11 September 4pm–8pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am–5pm, and Monday and Tuesday 10am–4pm. The Great Hall is at the Callaghan campus.