SNU’s used book fair

Purchasing new books can be costly. Students are oftentimes overwhelmed by the cost of textbooks required for class and find that they barely have any opportunity to indulge in books for pleasure.

This year Seoul National University (SNU) Library held the 5th Annual SNU Used Book Fair on November 4-6. The official motto for the book fair was “One person’s trash can be another person’s treasure.”

The SNU Used Book Fair provided students and members of the SNU community an opportunity to purchase used books for 1,000 KRW (less than one dollar) each. A variety of books, on topics ranging from linguistics (such as Intro to Japanese Speaking) to novels such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and even textbooks like Organic Chemistry, were available for purchase. Most of the books sold were old library books as well as books donated by members of the SNU community. SNU Library encouraged students and staff to donate books one week in advance of the event.

The 5th Annual Used Book Fair proved to be popular among students. There was even actually a limit on the number of books a single person could purchase. Hyun-Il Jo (College of Business Administration) expressed his views on the event. “Nowadays, everything has become increasingly digitalized and many people value new things. I love the idea of the SNU Used Book Fair because it is all about reusing the old, preserving traditions and finding importance in things we normally wouldn’t find value. I look forward to the next Used Book Fair.”

Reading, especially reading for pleasure, is essential for one’s spirit and intellect. Ralph Waldo Emerson, the founding father of the Transcendentalist movement in the 19th century in the United States, expressed such a view. He stated, “If we encounter a man of rare intellect, we should ask him what books he reads.” The nourishment books provide is valuable for one’s growth.

In addition, owning books allows for a more pleasurable experience. Being the owner of a book gives one the freedom of expression, of creating lasting indentations and imprints that are evidence to moments of deep contemplation. With no pestering return deadlines, reading can be completed with pleasure. Furthermore, by sharing used books one can gain an insight into the experiences others may have had while reading the book, the lingering emotions they may have felt while reading.

Old magazine section

There is much to look forward to with regards to the Used Book Fair. Currently it is only held for three days, which may be limiting for many individuals. It would have even more of an impact if the fair could be held for a longer period during which individuals could donate and buy books. Nevertheless it is important to note that the Book Fair provides an intimate experience. The Used Book Fair is an opportunity for individuals to find nourishment in books without bearing much monetary burden. And by donating books for the Used Book Fair, people share not only books but also the experiences that come with them. Such an exchange is invaluable.

Written by OH Jung Eun, SNU English Editor, josefinaoh@snu.ac.kr
Reviewed by Eli Park Sorensen, SNU Professor of Liberal Studies, eps7257@snu.ac.kr
Proofread by Melora Brett Briana Johnson, SNU English Editor, morningcalm2@gmail.com