English department Chair Lisa Berglund launched a semiweekly book sale initiative this spring where all proceeds will benefit student and non-tenure faculty research and travel.

The idea to start this fundraiser goes as far back as 2019.

After Berglund’s mother passed away, she left thousands of books.

“They were all over my dining room, and then I had this idea like, why not sell them and benefit the department?” she said.

In addition to the 75 boxes, some retiree professors began donating their books once they heard about the initiative.

After being open for a month, she sold about $150 worth of books.

“Some people come back more than once. I can tell you, Dr. Mark Fulk is spending a lot of money,” she said. “He comes in like every two weeks and leaves with another five or six books!”

There are many choices from mystery and detective novels to older fiction.

English majors may wonder if some of the titles include those that we read in our classes, and the answer is yes.

If you’re lucky enough, you may spot some classics.

Berglund replenishes the shelves once they empty, so be sure to come back regularly.

Open every Tuesday during Bengal Pause and Wednesday 3-4 p.m., the English department book sale is expected to relocate to another room in Ketchum Hall, but for now, they are in 214.

Book prices range from 50 cents to $2.

Have any books that have been sitting on your shelves unread?

All are welcome to give their books a new home by dropping them off to Gail Phillips in Ketchum 213 or Maureen Lougen in Ketchum 208.

This article is also featured on typeawaycait.blogspot.com!