Book in big bargains for all tastes

COFFEE table, Australiana, biographical, art, science, music, animal, history, health, children’s…

The list of literary genres available at Ballarat’s Biggest Book Fair will please any reader’s interests.

At St Andrew’s Church Hall on Friday 8, Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 November, book buyers can enter the Uniting Church Events Committee fundraiser by making a donation.

Taking about $25,000 a year through two book fairs, the committee funnels all money generated to Uniting’s BreezeWay Meals Program and Meals for Change.

Anita Hinton is part of the Events Committee and said the fair has a real buzz about it.

“On the first morning, people are enthusiastic. You get dealers coming in trying to wheel and deal, and sometimes people buy a box full,” she said. “We’ve got a lot of classic books which some people love and it’s interesting to see the different people that come in.”

There are lots of book shoppers that return every year, and some travel a long way to make the most of the fair’s extensive stock.

“We’ve got people coming from as far as Gippsland… South Australia… Shepparton…Hamilton,” Ms Hinton said. “You can always get a bargain.”

Her husband and fellow coordinator, Alan Hinton said their sale is well organised.

“What I’ve heard is that we’re one of the best around, because people can find their books quickly and easily,” he said.

“We have a section with 100 different authors if people are looking for a specific author. The rest of the novels are in alphabetical order.”

Most books will be on sale for $1 or $2, but in some cases, specialty and older books will be priced slightly higher. All genres will be clearly labelled.

An extensive collection of jigsaws and magazines are also available. Complimentary tea and coffee will be offered, and all sales are by cash only.

The next book fair will run during the Begonia Festival in March 2020, but the committee will also have a stall at November’s SpringFest. To donate stock, contact Anita and Alan Hinton on 5333 2338.

The fair is open from 10am to 4pm on Friday and Saturday, and 12pm to 4pm on Sunday. Find St Andrew’s Church Hall on Dawson Street North.