Lifeline South Coast Big Book Fair is on again this month. Photo: Supplied.
Book lovers, clear your calendars — the Lifeline South Coast Big Book Fair will return to Berkeley from 23 October, promising four days of page-turning treasure hunting for a powerful cause.
And you might even spot a well-known author.
With more than 85,000 preloved books spanning 80-plus genres — from fiction and non-fiction to children’s favourites, cookbooks, and biographies — this much-loved community event at Illawarra Sports Stadium will also be interspersed with special elements.
One of those, and a highlight of this year’s event, will be a special Authors’ Appearance on the Saturday (25 October) from 12:30 to 2 pm, featuring Illawarra writers Jeff Apter, Glen Humphries, and Rachael Morgan McIntosh sharing stories and signing books.
Apter’s latest book Lee Gordon Presents is about the first great promoter of major Australian concerts in the 1950s, while Humphries has released three non-fiction sporting titles this year.
McIntosh, who is also a crisis support volunteer, released Mothering Heights last year and is now working on a novel about a psychedelic therapy retreat in the hills above Coledale.
Other features will be the Early Bird Night on the Thursday (23 October), where for a $10 donation, early shoppers can get first pick of the best reads while helping fund Lifeline South Coast’s vital crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Entry on all other days is by gold coin donation, with Sunday’s half-price day set to draw bargain hunters keen to stock up before the shelves are cleared.
Lifeline South Coast CEO Renee Green said the Big Book Fair had become one of the region’s most anticipated community events — and a major contributor to the organisation’s local services.
There will be more than 85,000 books available to purchase.
“Thanks to the generosity of our community, we have received an outstanding collection of books, and our volunteers have been working tirelessly to prepare for a truly exceptional event,” Renee said.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for book lovers to find great reads and contribute to a life-saving local cause.
“Every dollar raised at the Big Book Fair stays within the South Coast, enabling us to provide life-saving support to those in need.
“Your participation can truly make a difference in the lives of people facing mental health challenges in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and South Coast communities.”
For those who prefer a quieter and less stimulating shopping experience, a sensory hour will be held on the Saturday from 4 to 5 pm, offering a calmer environment for visitors.
Introduced at its March event this year, this inclusive hour is aimed at ensuring everyone can enjoy the fair at their own pace.
The bi-annual book fair has become a cornerstone of Lifeline’s fundraising efforts, supporting crisis support services, suicide prevention programs, and mental health initiatives across the region.
Lifeline South Coast Big Book Fair will be held from 23-26 October at the Illawarra Sports Stadium in Berkeley via a gold coin donation, and a $10 donation Thursday night. Early Bird Night on Thursday will be held from 5-9 pm; Friday from 9 am to 5 pm; Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm with Authors’ Appearance from 12:30-2 pm and Sensory Hour from 4-5 pm; and Sunday Half Price Books Day from 9 am to 4 pm.
If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14.
