Features

A second life for books

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By Zuwaina al Sulaimani



The Business Society of the College of Economics and Political Science at Sultan Qaboos University has organised the 11th edition of the Charity Book Fair under the theme “Enrich and Give”. The fair aimed to collect used books from the community in various fields, sort and reprice them at affordable prices for all, and then sell them in a three-day exhibition held from 8th to 10th December 2022 at Oman Mall in Muscat.

The event was launched by His Highness Dr Fares bin Turki al Said, and it included three corners: a book corner, a photography corner, and an interactive corner for children. The fair was a great success, with 899 purchases and 3807 books sold, resulting in a total revenue of 5587 Omani rials.

This year, a competition among various universities and colleges in the Sultanate of Oman has been held to encourage students to participate and share their love of volunteering. The funds raised from the fair were donated to Oman Bahjah Orphan Society to build the largest residential complex for orphans in the Sultanate of Oman.



This fair has exciting opportunities for the community to donate and purchase used books, providing a sustainable way to keep knowledge alive and accessible for everyone. It also provides a platform for students to participate in charitable causes, develop their entrepreneurial skills, and gain experience in event management.

The success of the 11th edition of the Used Book Fair reflects the strong support and cooperation of the community and the private sector in promoting education and literacy in the Sultanate of Oman. The Business Society has set an inspiring example of how students can make a positive impact on society and contribute to the common good. When I was a student, at Sultan Qaboos University, I had personally participated in the previous edition of the Charity Book Fair in 2022, and I was impressed by the hard work and dedication of the team behind the fair. It was inspiring to witness the collective effort of students, volunteers, and sponsors, who worked tirelessly to make the event a success.

The atmosphere was vibrant, and the selection of books was impressive. I found it to be a unique experience that not only allowed me to buy books at affordable prices but also enabled me to contribute to a charitable cause. The success of this year’s edition is a testament to the ongoing commitment of the Business Society at Sultan Qaboos University in supporting education and community service.