30th Annual Trinity Secondhand Booksale
Posted on: 14 February 2019
Thirty years since its inception the Trinity Secondhand Booksale will take place from noon on Tuesday 19 February in the Public Theatre in Front Square until 2.15pm on Thursday 21 February.
This much-loved event is held during Trinity’s Green Week and offers a huge variety of books on topics, giving a new lease of life to books donated from staff, alumni, and many friends of Trinity College Dublin. This year’s sale is very strong on books on Ireland, Irish literature and criticism, as well as art, biography, history, sociology, education and includes the libraries of several retired Trinity staff and includes, for example, many books from the library of Nobel Laureate Seán MacBride (1904-1988).
It is a treasure trove for the bibliophile to enjoy and expand their own collections while knowing they are giving a good home to books generously donated to Ireland’s largest charity booksale. Prices are always reasonable and bargains widely available.
The booksale is run entirely by volunteers and it demonstrates friends of Trinity supporting the community through their ingenuity and hard work. All income generated is then used to provide grants for the purchase of books, maps, manuscripts, etc., which will enhance the research resources of the College Libraries, applications for these grants are invited following the annual event by the Booksale Committee. Over the 30 year period, the Booksale has made grants of €560,000 to the College Libraries.
Of course, money raised and amounts of books sustainably rehomed are wonderful achievements, the true achievement is the place the Booksale has in the hearts of many, some travelling from far to enjoy the experience. It an event marked in the calendars not only of current students and staff but the wider Dublin and Irish community of historians, collectors and avid readers.
Opening on Tuesday 19th of February at noon, the rare book auction will be held at 5:30 pm with 80 lots including New and Popular History of Ireland from the Beginning of the Christian Era to the Present Time, 3 vols bound in one, John Cassell, London 1851, The Wasted Island by Eimar O’Duffy, Martin Lester Ltd, Dublin 1919, 1 st ed, and Terry Pratchett: a large collection of his Discworld series, including c. 20 vols Ist ed hardback. For the full catalogue of 80 items click here or go to http://www.tcd.ie/booksale/.
The booksale will continue on Wednesday, 20 February from 10.00am to 6.00pm, and again on Thursday 21 from 10 am to 2pm, when all books are half price.
A €3.00 entrance is charged on Tuesday but it is free on Wednesday & Thursday. Come along and enjoy the atmosphere while you pick up a rare treat and many bargains.