Bookfest is one of the major fundraisers for Lifeline.

There will be a huge selection of books again this year for sale at cheap prices.

Lifeline Newcastle & Hunter PR and fundraising manager Emma Askew said Bookfest raised more than $40,000 last year.

She said they hoped to exceed that this year.

"This event is an important fundraiser for Lifeline Newcastle & Hunter and we hope people will come along in support of the cause, but also leave with some great books," Mrs Askew said.

"We have thousands of books sorted into over 60 categories ready for the huge sale.

"Naturally, our biggest section will be adult fiction, but this year, we also have a large selection of children's books, a dedicated section for large print books, DVDs and CDs.

"The general public have been incredibly generous in donating books to Lifeline, and the quality this year is outstanding."

Money raised last year helped support Lifeline's telephone counsellor training, face-to-face counselling service and suicide prevention programs run by Lifeline.

Mrs Askew said there would be books for all ages and stages priced from just 50¢, with further reductions on Sunday to clear as many books as possible.

■ Lifeline Newcastle & Hunter Bookfest will be held at Newcastle Basketball Stadium on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, 9am-3pm.