Top-billed Book Fair bustling for bucks

READERS’ paradise returns to town over the next four days in the form of the Bendigo Easter Book Fair, with a rolling stock of thousands of pre-loved books, magazines, records, CDs and DVDs for sale at rock-bottom prices.

The fair is aiming to raise over $50,000 to support Bendigo Foodshare in providing food relief to local families struggling to survive.

Foodshare CEO Michelle Murphy said the funds raised play a critical role in backing the charity’s operations at a time of increasing need across the city.

“We know there’s a lot of uncertainty right now, and many central Victorians are under pressure when it comes to putting food on the table,” she said.

“This event is a significant fundraiser for Bendigo Foodshare, helping us keep our warehouse and vehicles operating and supporting our prevention programs.”

She said the fair is only made possible thanks to a dedicated team of more than 80 volunteers, who give their time year-round to sort, organise and prepare the books for sale.

“Our volunteers are ready to put on another magical event as part of the Bendigo Easter Festival,” she said.

“Our Long Gully warehouse is full to the rafters with tens of thousands of books, boxed up and ready for sale.”

Volunteer coordinator Garth Keech said the charity has temporarily paused accepting book donations while volunteers focus on preparing for the weekend.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the community’s ongoing generosity, but at this stage we’re at capacity as we get ready for the Easter Book Fair,” he said.

“We encourage people to hold on to their book donations until after Easter.”

The Bendigo Easter Book Fair takes place at MacGillivray Hall in McCrae Street from 9am to 5pm on Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday, and from 9am to 3pm on Easter Monday.