80,000 lots up for grabs at book fair

The Book Fair Monster helps Mary McCutcheon-Walker sort out stock. Photo / Dean Purcell

Bookworms will tonight start wading through the thousands of pre-loved titles at the Variety Monster Book Fair.

Up to 80,000 donated books, games, jigsaw puzzles, DVDs and CDs are on sale until Sunday at the Alexandra Park Function Centre, Greenlane.

Proceeds go to Variety, which will soon celebrate its 20th anniversary in New Zealand of helping sick, disabled and disadvantaged children.

Co-ordinator Mary McCutcheon-Walker said prices were as low as $1. "During the winter months, many people love curling up on the couch with a book.

"We have an extensive range of books including recently released titles, old favourites and, of course, children's books.

"It's an opportunity to buy a book by your favourite author, or one that perhaps you wouldn't normally consider, at a discounted price with the knowledge that the money is going to a fantastic cause."

Variety will use funds from the fair for its literacy and communication programmes, providing grants for books, computers and literacy aides.

Last year's book fair raised almost $99,000 and Ms McCutcheon-Walker said the charity was hoping for a better result this year.

Tonight's opening, at 6 o'clock, has a $10 entry fee, but there is no charge on the other days, when the doors will open at 9am.