The biannual Lifeline Book Fair is set to return to the Bathurst Showground this weekend after a two-year absence, with a treasure trove of tomes on hand for people to peruse and purchase.
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With COVID-19 cancelling the event last year, organisers have spread the event out across three days and two pavilion spaces to provide ample opportunity for the community to safely gander.
The event commences on Friday with a 'VIP' day for senior citizens, and will continue Saturday and Sunday.
Lifeline Central West executive director Alex Ferguson said the event has been planned accordingly to work around social distancing requirements.
"We've spaced the tables further apart to ensure we can operate within the two square metre rule, which is also why we've expanded into two pavilion spaces," Mr Ferguson said.
"Lifeline is an organisation that takes public health advice very seriously, which is why we've adopted a conservative approach to getting the book fair back on track."
Mr Ferguson said visitors can expect a bumper number of books, ranging from general fiction and biographies to history and children's books.
"We have more books than ever, around 40-odd pallets-worth," he said.
"Most of the book are of a near-new quality, and every genre under the sun will be on show."
"These book fairs present a diverse cross-section of titles you many never find in a shop, as we receive many donations from deceased estates who might possess rare or first edition releases."
The proceeds from each book fair go a long way to ensure Lifeline Central West can continue providing vital crisis support services via telephone, online and community outreach avenues.
Mr Ferguson said demand for Lifeline services has dramatically increased following drought, fires and COVID-19.
"Prior to the 2019-20 bushfires and COVID-19, Lifeline was fielding 2200 calls a day nationwide: that figure is now around 3400 a day," he said.
"To ensure we can provide extra services to assist the local community, we need to ensure there's enough funds available to train individuals; Lifeline's work isn't getting any easier."
"Mental health and domestic violence are two central issues affecting Australian society; we lose one woman a week, which is an atrocious number in a civil society; so it only stresses the importance of services such as Lifeline."
Mr Ferguson said the books have been priced accordingly to suit any budget.
"There's everything from 50-cent children's books to $10 glossy art books, but the fair always guarantees everyone leaves with a great bargain," he said.
"All the books are displayed spine up and in alphabetical order to ensure its easy for people to browse for desired titles."
The Lifeline Book Fair will be open on Friday [senior citizens only] and Saturday from 9am to 4pm and Sunday from 10am to 2pm.
For more information, visit the Lifeline Central West Facebook page.
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Sam Bolt
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
