14,000 reasons to attend book fair

Full of books that is; in preparation for the club’s annual book sale at the Singleton Showground in the newly-repaired pavilion.

The iconic event starts at 9am this Thursday and will run through to Saturday.

Lions Club treasurer Judy Langbien says there is always a queue waiting at the door and, due to the cold weather, they usually let them in early.

“It is our biggest fundraising event and last year we raised $9000,” she says.

“The money we make from this event is donated to the Singleton Cancer Appeal Committee and the Singleton Family Support.

“Singleton Family Support uses the regular donation to fund its seasons for growth program in local schools.

“The program helps local children who have experienced some type of trauma in their lives.”

These charities are always the beneficiaries and she says the Lions Club took over running the event from Lifeline in 2005

Coordinator Jenny Merrick says she sorts and collects books all year round with the help of her husband Robbie.

She estimates there will be at least 14,000 books on display for people to purchase.

“There is always a wide variety from non-fiction novels to our children’s section and reference books,” Jenny says.

“Some people turn up with a trolley and fill up with enough books to keep them going for the next 12 months.

“It is great value for money, all the books are priced from 50 cents to $2 and many are near new.

“There is something for everybody from tiny tots to older members of the community, who still prefer to read a book rather than a kindle,” adds Mrs Langbien.

The ladies will be busy from now right up until the opening day on Thursday getting everything organised and ready to go.

And, thankfully, afterwards on Sunday the soldiers will return to help pack everything up.

Surplus books are donated to local schools and nursing homes but the rest are sent to recycling bin.