Armidale’s long-running Rotary Book Fair will return next month, bringing thousands of low-cost items and raising vital funds for local organisations.
The 28th annual event will run from Saturday. 16 May, to Saturday, 23 May, at the Armidale Jockey Club, with more than 70,000 quality second-hand books, CDs, DVDs, puzzles and games on offer.
Club president Kerry Myers the fair has become a fixture on the city’s community calendar, drawing regular crowds and supporting a wide range of local causes.
“It is great to see so many familiar faces turning up year after year – it’s become a fun community event as much as it is a great fund raiser,” Kerry said.
Children’s books will be priced at $1, while puzzles, CDs and DVDs will cost $2. A broad selection of genres, including fiction, cookery, history, art and photography, will be available for $3 each. A selection of rare and collectable items will also be for sale.
The fair will run daily from 9am to 5pm, concluding on Saturday, 23 May, with a $5 “bag bonanza”, where visitors can fill a provided bag with as many books as it will hold.
Proceeds from the event support the Rotary Club of Armidale Central’s community work, including donations to Meals on Wheels, St Vincent de Paul, the Salvation Army, NERAM, the New England Conservatorium of Music, the Armidale Playhouse and local schools.
Last year’s fair raised almost $100,000, with most funds distributed locally.
Myers said the event’s success reflected strong community support.
“Our members and valued volunteers work throughout the year sorting and collating only the best books for sale. Those that don’t make the grade aren’t wasted – they are recycled for sale by the local Ascent group.” she said.
“But the people to whom we are most grateful are those who continue to donate their books, CDs, DVDs, etc. They make it all possible and we thank them!
“People still love reading books and we look forward to welcoming them again at this year’s fair.”
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