Turn a new page
by Jess Hanebury / contributing writer
CHRIS LABZDA/ staff photographer
There's a page-turner to pique most anyone's interest among
the Green Valley Bookfair's collection of more than 500,000
books. |
"I like the Bookfair because its an alternative to the bar
scene," junior Molly Brown jokingly said. Although it may not
be the singles hot spot, the Green Valley Bookfair has a lot to
offer.
Although it started with just a few books many years ago, the GVB
now offers more than 500,000 books at every opening. It offers texts
on everything from art history to auto mechanics. After about a
month of preparation and organizing, the fair opens for 14-day periods
throughout the year to offer a great variety of new books at significantly
reduced prices. The books, which are sold 60 percent to 90 percent
off regular retail prices, have caused the fair's popularity to
skyrocket with every opening.
"They really have anything you're looking for and it's
really inexpensive," freshman Lucian Reynolds said. "When
I was younger, I used to come and look for books on computers, but
now I search for books on philosophy and film."
The GVB was started by Leighton Evans in 1971. Evans already was
buying and selling used books as a hobby at various flea markets
and auto fairs when he opened the first bookfair in September of
that year. The first sale was held in the same barn that the bookfair
still resides in today.
In the mid '70s, Evans found a source of books in Pennsylvania
that offered slightly damaged, but unused, books. He was able to
purchase them at a reduced price and sell them at cheaper prices
than bookstores. Today, the GVB books are purchased from publishers
in huge crates returned by vendors. The books are brand new and
in good condition.
Over the years, the barn was renovated to accomodate the increased
variety and selection of books.
In the months in between fair openings, the books must be unloaded
from huge unorganized crates and arranged for sale. Today Michael
Evans, son of Leighton Evans, manages the fair with his mother,
sister and 12 full-time employees.
"I really get to do everything there is, marketing, advertising,
etc., but my favorite part is pricing the books, because I get to
actually see everything we have," Evans said. "I get to
discover new things I didn't know existed. It's kind of
like Christmas every day."
Books are organized by subject and type. Downstairs all non-fiction
books are sorted into categories, while upstairs fiction books are
organized and displayed. Even if visitors aren't purchasing
books, it is still fun to go and see what kind of books are out
there. Beautiful photography books, perfect for decorating a college
dorm, are, just like the other books, considerably cheaper than
anything found anywhere else.
"It's a really great place to look for gifts," Irene
Reynolds said. With the holiday season approaching, the GVB offers
an alternative shopping scene to crowded malls or online services.
The fair currently is open until Dec. 9 every day from 9 a.m. to
7 p.m. Although it's about a 10 minute drive from campus, it's
closer than it sounds. To get to the fair, take Route 81 South and
get off exit 240. Make a left onto Route 682 and follow the signs
for the fair. For more information, go to the GVB Web site, www.gvbookfair.com.
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