Book fair closes its successful seventh chapter

THE seventh annual chapter of the Torquay Rotary Book Fair has closed in style, with thousands of people heading to Surf Coast Secondary College to grab a range of $1 bargains.

Based on the concept of the successful Geelong West Rotary Book Fair, Rotary Club of Torquay member Rhonda Anchen began the Torquay version of the fair in 2016, with donated books from the community in turn going back into supporting community groups and organisations in need.

Neil Henderson with Torquay Book Fair founder Rhonda Anchen.

Held over three days from Friday last week to Sunday, the seventh book fair was set to far again exceed expectations, with Rotary Club of Torquay president Ben Featherston expressing the club’s thankfulness for the communal generosity.

“Over the years, our book fair has helped to support a variety of community and international initiatives,” he said.

“Initiatives like Food Aid programs, supporting local community groups in need and international projects like helping to renovate a school in Papua New Guinea have been some we’ve assisted with.

“We are so thankful to our community year on year who continue to donate us thousands of books to help us continue to grow this fantastic event.”

Charlotte was able to find a couple of favourites on Friday at the book fair.

Throughout the year, the Rotary Club of Torquay received donations of books, which were then stored away in a shipping container in anticipation for the January event.

More than 20 separate genres of books were available during the three-day book fair, with adults grabbing some non-fiction and romance favourites, while kids were spoilt with a selection of children’s picture, colour and novel books.

The book fair took place for the seventh time and was held at Surf Coast Secondary College.

“Lifeline were amazing this year with their donation of books and in turn we used some of our funds from last year’s fair to donate back to their fantastic organisation,” Rotary Club of Torquay member Michael Reed said.

“We also had a donor from Melbourne who provided us with 600 boxes of books for the 2023 fair, which is just crazy!

“There was something for everyone here and we are so thrilled to once again suport and help out our community.”

Ben and Sam grabbed a couple of bargains at the book fair.

The Rotary Club of Torquay expressed their gratitude to the Surf Coast Secondary College for putting up their “amazing space” and hoped that the event would continue to be a fantastic community event for years to come.