The date for Centenary College's popular Book Bazaar 2024 has been set.
The bazaar will have over 75,000 items in over 50 categories of paperback books, hardback books, DVDs, CDs, LP records, and puzzles at incredibly low prices.
The 37th annual bazaar will be held at the Fitness Center on the Centenary College campus 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, September 13 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 14. On Saturday, all items are half-price after 1 p.m.
Centenary Muse voluntee Grace Bareikis stands among some of the many boxes filled with books for the annual Centenary Book Bazaar in Shreveport, Louisiana, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.
Longtime patrons know that traditionally the bazaar is held the weekend after Labor Day. Because Centenary will host Hendrix College for its first on-campus NCAA Division III football game that weekend, the dates for the Book Bazaar have been shifted to the second weekend in September.
With over 50 categories, there's something for everyone. Art, music, history, cookbooks, fiction, science fiction, self-help, non-fiction, and biographies are just a few of the types of items available.
Posters for previous Centenary Book Bazaars hang in the Book House workspace in Shreveport, Louisiana, where donated books are sorted and priced in preparation for the bazaar.
Here are some special categories you will find:
- Books on local middle and high school reading lists
- Children's vintage books
- Collectible books or sets
- Book sets from popular authors
- Coffee table books
- Decorative book sets
- Books about Louisiana
The Book Bazaar is organized and sponsored by the Muses, a volunteer group dedicated to funding projects and programs for Centenary students. The Bazaar has raised more than $1 million for the college, and the Muses have funded projects that touch all aspects of student life, from academics and athletics to student government and the performing arts.
Rita Rodgers, of Shreveport, sorts and prices vintage children's books donated for the 2023 Centenary Book Bazaar at the Book House workspace in Shreveport, Louisiana, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.
Projects are funded based on student requests. Some interesting projects from the past include providing a popcorn and a karaoke machine for the student union, and installing a new pump for the swimming pool.
A handful of retired ladies who are part of the Centenary Muses work throughout the year to accept donations, sort, stack, and pack the items in preparation for the annual Bazaar.
"We are so grateful to the Muses for their tireless work in putting on a first-class event that raises needed funds for important projects and initiatives on campus," said Vice President for Development, Fred Landry. "After nearly 40 years the Book Bazaar continues to be one of the most popular Centenary community events, attracting local and regional participation for the good of the College and its students and professors."
The Centenary Book Bazaar is promoted as a win-win for the community. Locals have a place to donate unwanted or no longer used items. Shoppers have thousands of choices in books and other items at bargain bin prices. And proceeds go toward enhancing student life on the Centenary campus.
At the sale, only cash or check is accepted. There will be an ATM on site. And don't forget to bring bring bags or boxes to hold all of your purchases. They will have carryout assistance too.
Parking will be available all along Woodlawn Avenue on the Fitness Center side of Kings Highway and around the Gold Dome on the other side of Kings Highway. Centenary DPS officers will be on hand to assist patrons with parking and with getting across Kings Highway.
For questions, call the Book House (318) 869.5710 or visit the Book Bazaar on Facebook.