Book fair’s a page turner

BOOKWORMS: Geelong West Rotary's Stephen Yewdall, Marie Nunan, Marnie Laurie and David Dadds sort through tens of thousands of titles for their upcoming book fair

More than 30,000 titles will be on sale in Geelong West Rotary’s Monster Book Fair next weekend – for just $1 apiece.
The fair normally runs annually in August but this year will run twice thanks to demand, said club president Marie Nunan.
“We’re not sure why the fair is popular. It could be the enormous range of books on offer, or that all books are a steal at only $1 each.
“In 2016 the club trialled running two fairs and the response was amazing. So we are doing it again!”
Ms Nunan said club members had been vigorously sorting out a huge range of books in preparation.
“We like to think that visitors to the fair know that every dollar they spend is going to benefit Geelong in some way.”
The fair made a significant contribution to local Rotary clubs’ fundraising for patient transport vehicles for the Barwon Health Foundation, Ms Nunan said.
The vehicles transport patients’ undergoing debilitating treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy and dialysis.
“It is a source of great pride for all of us to see the Rotary branded vehicles driving around town,” Ms Nunan said.
“We can see what a difference it is making.”
Fair proceeds will support other local community projects such as Samaritan House, Operation Newstart, Christ Church’s community meals program, and Geelong Kokoda Youth Program.
Geelong Regional Library Corporation had generously supplied most of the books for the fair, Ms Nunan said.
“You can go home with an armful of books for little cost while helping our Rotary Club to make a positive difference in our community,” Ms Nunan said.
“It is a win-win for everyone.”
The fair runs from 9am to 5pm on 17 and 18 February and 9am to 2pm on 19 February at Geelong West Town Hall.