At one stage on Saturday, two lines of people, with arms full of all sorts of books, stretched from one side of the pavilion to the other.
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That describes just how popular the Lifeline Central West Book Fair has been for the Bathurst community.
Over 22,000 books were available across the two day event and well over half had been sold by early Sunday afternoon.
Lifeline Central West executive officer Alex Ferguson said the book fair is getting stronger each year.
“It’s brilliant. You get a bit sick of saying “it’s the best ever”, but it's the best ever,” he said.
“Everyone’s attitude towards Lifeline has been great. We’d like to say thank you to Bathurst for their support.
“Fiction, Australian authors and sci-fi have done well. Known authors always do well. You’d be flat out to find a Bryce Courtenay book now.
“Cooking and craft have done well. No excuses for lousy food this winter.”
Over $31,000 was raised from book sales and donations, which is well up from previous book fairs according to Mr Ferguson.
“One reason we’re so strong is because we’re now known, people are aware and they come.
“Lifeline is a strong brand; a difficult job, in difficult areas.
“There is strong recognition of Lifeline’s work in community and we’ve seen that through the generosity in the tin.”
People were reported to have come in with shopping trolleys, boxes and bags to fill them all with books.
“We get a lot of repeat offenders [from events past],” Lifeline Central West chairman Bill Miller said.
Books had been donated from the Bathurst community and from other Lifeline branches.
Lifeline can get books donated for future events, by people bringing them straight into the Bathurst office at 293 Stewart Street.
Lifeline will host another book fair in October.
If you or anyone you know is struggling, contact Lifeline at 13 11 14.
