LSU Libraries Book Bazaar Celebrates 50 Years

Annual used book sale returns to Baton Rouge this April

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:00pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a repeating grid of colorful used books, capturing the energy and excitement of the long-running Friends of the LSU Libraries Book Bazaar.The annual Friends of the LSU Libraries Book Bazaar has been a beloved community tradition for 50 years, bringing book lovers together to discover hidden literary treasures.Baton Rouge Today

The Friends of the LSU Libraries will host their 50th annual Book Bazaar on April 16-18 at the John M. Parker Coliseum in Baton Rouge. The beloved used book sale features thousands of books, CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records, with all proceeds supporting the LSU Libraries' collections.

Why it matters

The Book Bazaar is a long-standing tradition that brings the Baton Rouge community together around a shared love of reading and literature. The event has helped the LSU Libraries acquire valuable collections over the past five decades that would not have been possible through regular funding channels.

The details

The 50th annual Friends of the LSU Libraries Book Bazaar will take place over three days in April at the John M. Parker Coliseum. Attendees can browse and purchase from a vast selection of used books, CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records, with all proceeds directly benefiting the LSU Libraries' collections. This year's Bazaar is sponsored by Frost-Barber of Louisiana, LLC, and Kean's Fine Dry Cleaning, and admission is free to the public.

  • The Book Bazaar will be held from April 16-18, 2026.
  • This marks the 50th anniversary of the annual event.

The players

Friends of the LSU Libraries

A volunteer organization that supports the LSU Libraries through fundraising and advocacy efforts, including the annual Book Bazaar.

John M. Parker Coliseum

The venue that has hosted the Friends of the LSU Libraries Book Bazaar for decades, located on the campus of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

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The takeaway

The long-running Friends of the LSU Libraries Book Bazaar is a beloved community event that has helped the university's libraries build their collections and foster a love of reading in Baton Rouge for the past 50 years.