UQ Alumni Book Fair® frequently asked questions

Introducing the UQ Alumni Book Fair

The UQ Alumni Book Fair is an annual fundraiser based at The University of Queensland. The Book Fair is organised by volunteers who harness their love of books and generously donate their time, to help raise funds for scholarships to support UQ students. Each Book Fair features a range of pre-loved books, magazines, sheet music, DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, and even the occasional photograph, print or piece of memorabilia.

More than 110,000 books are prepared each year for the Book Fair. Preparation consists of sorting, classifying, pricing and packing books, then setting them up for the four-day fair. The books not selected for sale are passed onto community organisations, locally and overseas.

Discover the UQ Alumni Book Fair

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I pay?

Card payments are preferred; however, we will also accept cash. Unfortunately, we cannot receive cheques. 

Where is the closest parking?

The Book Fair will be held in the UQ Centre on Union Rd, St Lucia. There is parking available under the UQ Centre and beneath the playing fields behind the UQ Centre. Paid parking applies Monday–Friday, 7am–9pm. Parking is free on weekends and public holidays. Further details can be found here.

Is there public transport available? 

Our St Lucia campus is accessible by car, bus, bike or ferry. Find more details about transportation options here.

What is the Rare Book Auction?

Since the first Alumni Book Fair in 1979, the Rare Book Auction has taken place every two years. This year, it’s back! On Friday 28 April at 6:30pm, we will be auctioning off more than 150 rare books. You can find out more about the Rare Book Auction here.

Can I see what books will be up for auction?

More than a hundred books will be on offer at this year’s auction. This year’s auction features a remarkable first edition copy of Winnie-The-Pooh from 1926, one of only 1750 copies of the Folio Society’s limited edition Les Misérables, and various books by renowned naturalists and explorers Charles Darwin, and Alfred Russel Wallace. We even have John Lort Stokes official account of the last major expedition of Australian maritime discovery, from the HMS Beagle in 1846.

Can I register an absentee bid?
Yes. All you need to do is fill out this form and email it to alumnifriends@uq.edu.au or post it to the Alumni Friends offices at St Lucia (the complete postal address can be found on the absentee bid form linked above). But get in fast! Absentee bids will not be accepted after 1:00pm on Friday 28 April 2023.
 
Is there anything else to do on campus?
There’s always plenty to see at the University of Queensland. Explore the lovely Forgan Smith building, featuring the Walter Harrison Law Library. Or, check out one of our many museums that cover art, anthropology, physics and fascinating antiquities.
 
If you want to get some fresh air, just step outside! Take a stroll through the beautiful Great Court or, if you’re bringing the kids, visit the UQ Playground.
 
Are there any food outlets open?
Yes. Food trucks will be on-site at the UQ Alumni Book Fair, serving fresh coffee, crepes and gelato! There are also many options to grab a bite at St Lucia, whether you want coffee, pizza or something healthier – explore our food and drink services. Be sure to check the opening times for each.
 
Do I have to register?
Due to capacity restrictions in the UQ Centre, you will need to register in order to attend. Note, there may be a short wait to enter the exhibition hall.
 
Do I have to register my children?
No, you are not required to register children under the age of 18. 
 
Can I volunteer?
We appreciate the help of volunteers. Find out more here
 
How do I donate books?
We appreciate all book donations for the UQ Alumni Book Fair and Rare Book Auction. These can be left in the Book Shed, in the car park behind Building 82E (Seddon West, St Lucia campus), any time of day. The ‘Book Bunker’ is also available for donations at UQ’s Long Pocket Campus, 80 Meiers Rd, Indooroopilly QLD 4068 (adjacent to the Banksia loading bay). Please note that the Long Pocket Campus is not open outside normal office hours.
 
Donations of large quantities of books (10 or more boxes) need to be pre-arranged. Please call the Book Group on +61 7 3346 3166. 
 
Is there anywhere I can find out about the history of the Alumni Book Fair?
If you want to know more about the history of the Alumni Book Fair and the Rare Book Auction, check out this article to read all about it.