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Thousands of books, one great cause: Concordia EPIC Used Book Fair brings in $35,472 for students

Volunteers and book lovers help turn thousands of pre-loved books into real support for student scholarships
November 17, 2025
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Source: University Advancement
A group of Concordia book fair volunteers are wearing red aprons and are holding books in a large atrium filled with rows of books. From left: Event co-leads Jeanne Bisson and Luke Quin, BA 07, with student volunteers Jennifer O. Nwobi, Ethan Wilkinson and Chiara Bramante

To the relief of book-loving students and community members, the Concordia EPIC Used Book Fair returned in full effect to the J.W. McConnell (LB) Building atrium on November 11 and 12, 2025.

Despite setbacks, the perennial campus fundraiser did not disappoint according to co-lead organizers Jeanne Bisson, retired Concordia staff member, and Luke Quin, BA 07, senior communications advisor in University Advancement.

“Neither snowstorm nor transit strike stopped generous shoppers from turning up to purchase nearly 10,000 books, raising $35,472 that will be allocated entirely to student scholarships,” says Bisson. “We are grateful to all our loyal supporters — the vast majority of whom are students — for their steadfast commitment to the cause.”

The event had already faced challenges earlier in the fall: originally scheduled for October 7 and 8, it was postponed due to an unexpected university closure.

Funds raised will support the Concordia Book Fair endowment — which provides several annual scholarships — as well as the Concordia Used Book Fair Stingers Scholarships, the Carole Lavallée Book Fair Bursary and a new bursary in memory of long-time volunteer Susanne Dragffy.

A book fair customer is smiling and holding a large stack of books that stretches from under his chin down to his hands. Thanks to generous shoppers, the 2025 Concordia EPIC Book Fair raised $35,472 for student scholarships.

The Concordia EPIC Used Book Fair is possible thanks to the support of a broad network of campus collaborators:

  • Distribution Services collects book donations year-round at locations on both Loyola and Sir George Williams campuses, and transports books between sites.
  • Facilities Management provides an accessible, permanent storage space.
  • Members of the Concordia University Pensioners Association, along with student and community volunteers, triaged donated books.
  • Some 65 volunteers, mostly students, including members of the Concordia Stingers men’s rugby team, who helped with setup and teardown.
  • University Advancement promoted the event and donated apparel and merchandise that was sold at discounted prices.
  • Hospitality Concordia supported event logistics, including securing a prime location.

“My sincere thanks to all our partners,” says Quin. “Concordia’s support of a used-book circular economy of this magnitude demonstrates leadership that our university community can take pride in.”

To learn more about the Concordia Epic Used Book Fair, visit concordia.ca/bookfair.

View a Flickr album of the 2025 Concordia EPIC Used Book Fair.


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generosity volunteer Stingers alumni students public engagement Campaign for Concordia

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