Massive charity book sale arrives in Tauranga

Andrea Waldie says there are heaps of bargains up for grabs in the Tauranga Harbour City Lions Club book sale. Photo/Carmen Hall

One of Tauranga's largest charity book bonanzas has arrived and will open its doors today.

The Tauranga Harbour City Lions Club Book Sale starts at 5pm and will continue through the weekend.

Spokeswoman Andrea Waldie says the charity event has gone from strength to strength, and that meant it was able to help more people.

Last year more than $30,000 was raised and a big donation was made to a beach mat for wheelchair access while other benefactors over the years had included St John Ambulance, the Tauranga Volunteer Fire Brigade and the Riding for the Disabled.

That is why the fundraiser was so important, she says.

This year volunteers had spent hundreds of hours sorting, stacking and pricing stock and had been working in teams since July.

"Every dollar we make goes into our community," says Andrea, who started helping out four years ago.

"I just wanted to meet some people and do something different."

Andrea is also blown away with the generosity of the people who have donated.

"It's been amazing - we have been given a lot of books."

It was also not uncommon to find some treasures among the books that included first editions, which would be sold by tender.

Due to growth this year the book sale had moved from downtown Tauranga to the race course.

"This is a great new venue for us with heaps of parking."

The Facts

What:

Tauranga Habour City Lions Club Book Sale

Where:

Tauranga Race Course

When:

Today 5pm - 9pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am - 4pm