UQ Alumni Friends turn the page to help flood-ravaged Lismore Library

The University of Queensland’s Alumni Friends are embracing a new chapter to help rebuild the Lismore Library’s book collection that was decimated by devastating floods.

Between 30 and 40 boxes of books and other items originally destined for the UQ Alumni Book Fair have been donated, as the library begins to replace its flood-ravaged content.

Retired pharmacist and UQ Alumni Book Fair Project Manager Gary Lambrides said it’s Brisbane’s longest running book fair with a proud 50-year tradition of helping others, and the Lismore City Library was the latest beneficiary.

“We supported the Murwillumbah Library when they were hit five or six years ago, Tonga when the eruptions happened, and we help in Papua New Guinea regularly,” Mr Lambrides said.

“We do get excess books and we can’t sell them all, so we do support charities, and this was a good fit.”

After volunteers sorted through the near-new books and puzzles destined for Lismore, Mr Lambrides used his contacts in pharmacy to collaborate with Lismore pharmacist and UQ alumnus Kate Waymouth Daniels, who delivered them to the library.

“We needed a quick solution, so as always, I turned to the alumni network,” he said.

“The library was extremely grateful, and although it may not re-open until next year, passed on its thanks to our volunteers.”

There will still be plenty of items available at this year’s Alumni Book Fair, scheduled for April 29 to May 2.

Around 110,000 pre-loved books, magazines, vinyl records, videos, DVDs, and puzzles will be available to the public in 400 different categories.

Student volunteers will be on hand to help pack purchases in boxes and carry them to customers’ cars.

“We do it because we enjoy it, and we’re putting something back into the community,” Mr Lambrides said.

“Most of our volunteers come in at least once or twice a week to sort through the donations.

“And we’ve had more donations this year than we’ve ever had before, so it will be a tremendous event.”

Funds raised by the Fair help support scholarships that empower UQ students to achieve their goals and bring positive change to our community.

The event is held in the UQ Centre, with free parking available Saturday to Monday.

Register to attend the event here.

Media: UQ Communications, Greta Usasz, g.usasz@uq.edu.au; +61 (0) 406 485 731.