For the first time in BYU-Idaho history, students were able to sell their books at the price they chose.

The first BYU-I Book Swap/Buyback event took place Jan. 17 and 18.

Although some may assume an event this big would have been planned and organized by the school, it was actually planned by one man.

B.J. Gremillion, a junior from Colorado Springs, Colo., organized the swap. Gremillion had seen a similar event happen at BYU-Hawaii and took the idea to the President’s Council.

Through that, he obtained permission to organize the swap. The BYU-I Bookstore was allowed by the President’s Council to fund the advertising for the event.

Although Gremillion was worried that very few people would turn out for the event, by 7:30 Tuesday night his fears were put to ease — over 200 students came with books to sell and cash to buy.

“I was surprised, then excited,” Gremillion said. “It was better than I expected.”

According to a survey handed out by Gremillion at the door, the average amount students saved through the swap was $50.

Surveys were handed out to most students that attended Tuesday night. About 85 surveys were turned back in to Gremillion.

Altogether, Tuesday night students saved $2,100. Almost all the students agreed they would be back to the next swap, according to the survey.

“It was way awesome! I saved 50 bucks, and my roommate saved about 160,” Leasal Woodruff, a sophomore from Phelan, Calif., said.

Wednesday night many students attended, but the swap was not as successful as Tuesday night.

“There’s a lot of people anxious to sell, but not a whole lot anxious to buy,” Jean-Michel Knickerbocker, a freshman from Parma, Idaho, said.

Students had a hard time selling their books Wednesday night, but many commented on the large amount of phone numbers exchanged in the hopes of future sales.

“I sold a book last night (Tuesday night). With two dances happening tonight, there’s just too much going on. I hope it’s going to happen again next fall,” said Carolina Coqueiro, a freshman from Rio Comprido, Brazil.

For the most part students enjoyed the event and said they would be returning next semester.

“It’s just another great opportunity for students to save some money,” said Jesse Harrison, a freshman from Lincoln, Calif.

Exactly when this event will next take place is still being decided, Gremillion said. Dates range from the end of this semester to the beginning of next semester.

“This is a good idea. ºThey should do it the weekend before the semester and at the end of fall semester,” said Rex Pulley, a sophomore from Idaho Falls.

Even though Gremillion planned this swap, he hopes to turn the planning over to the student council next semester.