The annual Centenary Book Bazaar has made a huge comeback this year with not one, but TWO events in a calendar year. The 34th and 35th Centenary Book Bazaars were held in a new location this year, the College’s Fitness Center, and both turned out to be a huge success. 
 
The Centenary Book Bazaar is organized and sponsored by the Centenary Muses, a philanthropic group dedicated to enhancing the campus experience for Centenary students. Proceeds from the Bazaar are used to fund projects and programs for Centenary students, and those funds do not go unnoticed.  
 
Due to COVID, the Book Bazaar has not taken place for the last two years. The first event this year was held March 25 and 26, and the second on September 9 and 10. Over 200,000 books were offered at the two sales. “We had to cancel two Book Bazaars because of COVID, but nothing stopped coming in,” said Dr. Grace Bareikis, a longtime Centenary Muse and Book Bazaar volunteer. “People used their time in quarantine to clean out their bookshelves. It was wonderful, but we definitely had to play catch up.” 
 
With two very successful events taking place in one year, the Muses were able to raise over $70,000 for the College. Over the years, proceeds from the Bazaar have totaled more than $1 million and continue to make a lasting impact on the College. “It would be hard to find any organization on campus that has not been touched by the Book Bazaar at some point,” said David Williams, College liaison with the Muses. “The Centenary Muses have become a valuable and significant supporter of the College,” said Bareikis. “We specifically fund things that do not have funds set aside already. Funds are always tight, but when someone has a great idea for campus, it is nice to know that they can always ask the Muses for assistance to make the campus better.” 
 
You can bring donations to the Book House from 10am-2pm any Monday and Wednesday. The Centenary Book House is located in Centenary Square, 108 East Kings Highway, and there is also a drop box outside for after-hours book donations. 
For more information, or to donate books, please contact the Book House at 318-219-3409.  You can also visit the Book Bazaar on Facebook.