The UHCL Sigma Tau Delta chapter invited students, faculty, and staff to take a chance on literature through its “Mystery Date With a Book Sale,” fundraising event April 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m..
 
Following the path laid out by similar book sales, the event granted participants the opportunity to own a book they might otherwise skip over by offering a selection of fully wrapped books, labeled with only brief mentions of genre and story tropes.

“Our Mystery Date With a Book Sale is different than average book sales because we are removing the chance to judge a book by its cover,” Sigma Tau Delta UHCL President Chloe Stegner said. “By not seeing the cover, shoppers are intrigued and might end up going home with a book they would have never picked up on a shelf.”

Stegner also shared that the event served a dual purpose: to support the organization financially while also promoting its broader mission to cultivate a deeper appreciation for literature across campus.

“Proceeds from the sale contribute to student involvement opportunities, including offsetting membership dues or ticket prices when we attend shows at the Alley Theatre,” said Stegner.

As for their broader mission of literary engagement, Stegner said, “Sigma Tau Delta’s main goal is to foster a love and appreciation for literature and writing.”

“If we can get even one person to walk away with a better appreciation for this discipline, then we will have done our job,” said Stegner.

That desired impact was visibly successful throughout the course of the event, as attendees engaged with both the concept and each other.

“What stood out most was how many people stopped by our booth, and how excited they were to get a wrapped book,” Sigma Tau Delta Historian Kimberly said.

“It was refreshing to hear students, faculty, and staff be so passionate about books.”

Conversations at the booth ranged from game preferences to guesses about what might be hidden beneath the wrapping paper, reinforcing the event’s interactive and communal atmosphere. 

Books that were not selected during the sale will continue to serve the community. According to the organizers, unsold books are collected, unwrapped, and donated to community libraries.

Looking ahead, Sigma Tau Delta plans to continue engaging the campus with creative literary events. The chapter will soon be hosting a “Book Bedazzling” event on April 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the SSCB lobby, offering students a chance to decorate their favorite books or create bookmarks as a way to de-stress before finals.

To learn more about Sigma Tau Delta, you can visit their Instagram.