Tasmania’s biggest second-hand book sale returns to Hobart this weekend, with organisers hoping a record haul of donated books will translate into much-needed funds for children doing it tough.
The Variety Monster Book Fair opens at Princes Wharf 1 on Saturday July 4 and runs until Sunday July 5. Entry is free.
Shoppers will find aisles of fiction, cookbooks, children’s books and collectables, alongside facepainting, balloon artistry and an animal nursery.
Money raised goes to Variety – the Children’s Charity, which supports Tasmanian children who are sick, living with disability or facing disadvantage.
The charity says this year’s fair is on track to be its largest, built on roughly 45,000 books donated during its Monster May collection drive.
Variety Tasmania chief executive Mohammad Aldergham said the event had become a fixture on the Hobart calendar.
“The Variety Monster Book Fair is a fantastic opportunity for families to enjoy the school holidays, discover a hidden treasure and support a great local cause at the same time,” he said.
Aldergham said demand for the charity’s help was rising.
“Importantly, every dollar raised stays right here in Tasmania, helping us respond to growing demand for grants, programs and support for local children and their families,” he said.
The scale is up on last year, when the charity’s 12th fair was described as filling more than 30 pallets with books.
The event also relies heavily on volunteers, who sort and pack donations ahead of the weekend.
On Saturday, costumed teams will tackle the Variety Spin4Kids cycling challenge, led by All Aerobics instructors.
Retailer Shiploads is a long-term partner. Managing director Ashley Wilson said the fair gave old books and games a second life.
“It not only gives pre-loved books and games a second life but also provides affordable treasures for families who could really use a bargain right now,” he said.
The fair opens at 9am on Saturday and 10am on Sunday.
