February 2007 NUI Galway seeks public support for second Buy-a-Book Fundraiser

19 February 2007: Following on from its huge inaugural success last year, NUI Galway is to hold its second Buy a Book Day on Thursday 1st March, 2007 from 10.30am to 6.00pm in the Aula Maxima.

It is hoped that as well as attending the sale, the public will donate material to the event, which is sure to offer the most avid reader an exciting and diverse range of books.

Last year's event raised almost €6,000, half of which was donated to international, national and local charities through the University's United Charities Group (UCG). Formed in 2004, UCG consolidates the fundraising efforts of the three University based charitable committees: the Third World Appeal Committee, the IFUT Charitable Committee and Medicus Mundi. The remainder was used to purchase items of interest for Special Collections at the James Hardiman Library.

NUI Galway Librarian, and co-ordinator of the Buy-a-Book event, Marie Reddan said: "Last year's event was very worth while – raising money for both Special Collections in the Library and for a variety of charities. It was a great example of cross-campus collaboration – supported enthusiastically by staff and students alike.

Most importantly, it was an event for the university and the citizens of Galway who were so very generous in their support of the day. Hopefully, this year's sale will be bigger and better and it will become an annual feature on the University's calendar."

The event is one of the more novel ideas to emanate from the University's Staff Suggestion Scheme - Úrsmaointe – and has received generous support from local businesses. Books remaining at the end of the day will go to local charity shops.