Reading is a fundamental part of one’s time at Princeton. Whether for sciences or the humanities, a great deal of coursework and independent research consists in careful and active reading. Reading for pleasure by oneself or as part of reading groups is also a common pastime, or at least a shared aspiration, of many students on campus. Moreover, Labyrinth Books’ and the University’s decision to cease coursebook sales has sparked a mix of dissatisfaction, outrage, and inventive solutions. With the end of textbook resales paired with personal interest for especially thought-provoking class readings, it is not uncommon for students to keep (at least some of) their coursebooks. It is quite natural, then, that over the course of one’s four years at Princeton, undergraduates tend to amass a good number of books and start to build up their own personal library. Thus, beyond our formidable library system and Labyrinth, it is good to know where and how to get books, even if such scholarly scavenging will not supply all of one’s textbook needs. Besides, building up one’s store of knowledge (and thought-provoking entertainment) is a worthwhile pursuit in itself.
We are rather blessed at Princeton that it is very easy to acquire free books. Departments regularly have bins, boxes, or tables on which they set out books that faculty no longer want or need. Some locations include the atrium of Green Hall (inside green cardboard bin on the right), the break room in Jones Hall (Near Eastern/East Asian Studies), a table on the third floor of East Pyne (French and Italian/Spanish and Portuguese), and a set of boxes on the first floor of East Pyne in front of the elevator by the Classics Department Entrance. While these are not the sorts of books that are likely to be on a course syllabus (though that sometimes happens as well), they can be interesting in their own right, and do often contain some classics. Moreover, it is a treasure trove for those who do not mind used books and appreciate the underlining and marginalia of professors and readers past. Occasionally, retiring professors give out portions of their libraries when they vacate their offices. When such seasonal and non-publicized handouts do take place, it can be a windfall for graduate and undergraduate students (and even for other professors). Such lots tend to be more organized along the professor’s research interests and less of a farrago of unwanted books.
Book fairs are another excellent option for building up a library. The Princeton Public Library hosts seasonal book fairs with a wide selection and at reasonable prices (collectors and aficionados can also find leather-bound titles and rare editions as well). The Public Library also has a smaller section of used books for sale year-round. Of course, the library also lends books and other media (films, videogames, etc.) to card owners, a process they make very simple. If you are willing to go on a rewarding walk down to the Princeton Country Day School, the Bryn Mawr—Wellesley Annual Book Fair is also a great option, with a truly vast selection of books.
Whether you are trying to avoid the tyranny of e-campus online textbook sales or are simply looking to build your own library for personal enjoyment, be sure to browse some of these and other locations. You might just find a hidden treasure (maybe even an entire hoard).
—Ignacio Arias, Humanities Correspondent
