The Bundaberg Recreational Precinct will transform into a reader's paradise next weekend when the annual Rotary Book Sale takes place.
Rotary Club of Bundaberg Central book sale coordinator Ross Peddlesden said the popular event was established more than a decade ago and featured thousands of donated books for sale from as little as 50 cents.
“There will be books of all genres that have either been donated to Rotary or have been culled by the Bundaberg Library,” he said.
“It's a major fundraiser with about 40 per cent of money going back in to library programs and the rest supporting Rotary programs locally, nationally and internationally.”
Ross said the event was as much of a fundraiser as it was a literacy project, helping to spread a love of reading throughout the community.
“Literacy is one of the main areas of focus for Rotary and this event really symbolises that,” he said.
“We get lots of families coming through the doors every year and it is so heartening to see the children light up when they run straight towards the kids section to find books that they love.”
Ross said one of his fondest memories from the book sale took place at the inaugural event, when he met a young girl and her grandmother who had $50 to spend.
“You can imagine with prices starting at 50 cents, that's a lot of books!” he laughed.
“When they got to the counter we started piling them all up and the books towered over the young girl.
“She turned to me and said, ‘don't worry, I will read all of these', and it was just such a great moment and a reminder that books still hold so much joy in people's lives.”
Ross said in a day and age where technology ruled, it was fantastic to see that books remained a much-loved item.
“People talk of books dying out but that has certainly not been our experience at this event,” he said.
“We get thousands of people through the doors every year and we are expecting the same response next weekend.”
The Rotary book sale will kick off from Friday, 10 September from 9am to 7pm.
“It will continue on Saturday, 11 September from 9am to 3pm and again on Sunday from 9am to 1pm at the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct,” Ross said.
“Every one is invited to come along for a browse and pick up a good book or 10!”
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