ESULA to raise funds with book, media sale next week in Union

Empowered Students for University Libraries and Archives (ESULA) will host a used book and media sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 14-15 just outside Lakeview Cafeteria in the Memorial Union.

“I’d expect this sale to go like any other,” said Andrew Guthrie, ESULA member and sophomore information resource studies major. “Thankfully, that means very, very well.”

Melvin Engle, ESULA member and senior sociology and psychology major, said that they currently have about 200 books and 30 videos, which are all in good condition. These items were donated by students, faculty and staff. Engle also said patrons are welcome to continue bringing in donated items during the sale next week.

There is not a set price attached to any of the items, as the sale is based on donations. ESULA merely asks that people donate what the item is worth to them. In the past, Engle said some customers have paid 50 cents for a book, while others have donated $5.

“We’re hoping to raise at least $200,” Engle said. “But every dollar counts.”

In the past, Guthrie said that the sales have ended successfully. ESULA’s best sale earned over $300, and he would like to see that happen again.

ESULA is currently raising money to attend the 2008 annual American Library Association conference. This year's conference will be held in Anaheim, Calif., June 26-July 2.

Guthrie said at the beginning of the year, the group chose to have these fundraisers twice a semester. According to Engle, the organization wanted to raise money through an event that was relevant to library activities. Since books and media are an extensive part of the library, they chose to sell these items to the public and collect donations.

ESULA is a pilot organization that has been active at Emporia State for two years. Engle said he was not aware of any other undergraduate organization with motives similar to ESULA. It currently has about 15 members, and these members will rotate shifts throughout the sale.

“Empowered Students for University Libraries and Archives is a recognized student organization dedicated to increasing students’ awareness about the many services the library offers for their convenience,” Guthrie said.

Engle said ESULA also focuses on making students aware of the many jobs and opportunities that libraries can offer.