BOOKWORMS and bargain hunters are encouraged to visit St Paul’s Giant Book Fair in January.
The fundraiser, which began last Wednesday, is looking to sell over 12,000 books, DVDs and CDs that have been donated by those in the community.
Event coordinator, Christine Morris OAM, says this year’s fair is the biggest yet in terms of both the quantity and quality of the books.
“Certainly in quality… there’s a heck of a lot more newer ones,” Ms Morris said.
“You open them and think, ‘They haven’t even been read, they haven’t creased a spine or anything!'”
This differs from years past, where “very well-loved” books have been donated to the fair.
The event has already proven popular, as members of the St Paul’s congregation, the community and tourists all having visited since Wednesday.
Ms Morris estimates over 300 purchases were made on the first day alone, more money was raised in the first two days than normal within a week.
Dean of St Paul’s, the Very Reverend Keren Terpstra, has been impressed with the turnout.
“I think it’s been phenomenal so far… on Wednesday, the first day, I couldn’t believe just the numbers of people,” Dean Terpstra said.
“The funny thing is, you look… and go, ‘Yeah, but there’s still so many books…’
“And yet, you see people walking out the door with boxes full of books!
“I think that’s a really good thing to know that people are supporting us.”
The books are spread across 60 tables and are sorted into fiction and non-fiction, as well as by genre, author and age demographic.
Most books are for adult readers, with a number of children’s titles available as well.
Local resident, teacher and self-confessed book-lover, Mick Evers, is one of many to have visited St Paul’s so far, praising the fundraiser for its large and “good assortment” of books.
Mr Evers, who attends the event annually, has already purchased “two big bags” of books.
He often attends the fair over multiple days, allowing the number of books on tables to dwindle before they are restocked and rearranged by volunteers, as “there might be something different, or something I missed the first time”.
Dean Terpstra noted that, “in a world that’s increasingly digital, books have the capacity to bring people together”.
“You pick up any one of these books, and it’s got a history,” Dean Terpstra said.
“It’s really good to be a part of something that perpetuates that, and perpetuates the opportunity for us to actually hold the things in our hands…
“There’s nothing like holding a book in your hands to read.”
Dean Terpstra added that it was “really good” to facilitate what is effectively an event that allows for the “recycling” of books.
“I hope that it continues to be an event on the Sale calendar”.
Ms Morris commented that she would need “a long sleep” before considering whether the fair would continue as an annual event, noting the possibility of it becoming an two-yearly event.
She also expressed her gratitude to the “hard-working volunteers” who made the event possible.
St Paul’s Giant Book Fair will be running in the Delbridge Hall, next to St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral on Cunninghame St, Sale until January 24.
Money raised at the fair will go towards a solar power system and general repairs for the cathedral.
Purchases can be made with cash or card.
The fair is open 9am to 4pm Monday through Saturday, and 10.30am to 4pm on Sundays.
