Alex Ferguson from Lifeline Central West said the book fair, which has been running for more than a decade, was now a part of the Bathurst landscape - and for good reason.

It's a community event with books of all descriptions. And, more importantly, it supports a charity which in turn supports the people living right here in our region.

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"We hold the event twice a year, autumn and spring, and average $35,000 a show. That's $70,000 a year and when you think about that over 10 years, it's a big fundraiser for us," Mr Ferguson said.

"Last year we bought our very own building and the book fair, over 10 years, has paid for it. That's a big thing."

Mr Ferguson said tough conditions across the region had seen an increase in demand for Lifeline's services.

"As the drought increases, so do pressures in the family unit," he said.

"We see things like domestic violence, people self-medicating with alcohol and other things. People are running out of money all over the place."

Last month Lifeline took 2600 calls in the Central West alone, highlighting the need for fundraising efforts such as the book fair.

Mr Ferguson thanked the Lifeline volunteers and inmates from Bathurst Correctional Centre, who quietly work behind the scenes setting up the event and packing it away when it's over. He said the inmates play a pivotal role in the success of the fair.

"It wouldn't happen without them, they do an amazing job for us," he said.

Scott Keen, a corrections officer who oversees the inmates in their work, said they really enjoyed being part of the community event.

"They love it, they can't wait to come down and help out," Mr Keen said.

"What I find is they really enjoy being part of community projects like this, they get to come and interact with the community and they really like it. It's their way of giving something back."

And on Monday, when it's all over, the inmates will return to pack up the remaining books, leaving Lifeline to get on with helping people in crisis.

The book fair is on at the Bathurst Showground on Saturday, 9am-4pm, and Sunday, 10am-2pm.