BOOK lovers rejoice; there is a new second-hand book store in town that will have you feeling good for several reasons.
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Lifeline Hunter & Central Coast has decided to open a book shop in its Hamilton warehouse.
It is an extension of Lifeline’s successful Bookfest.
For the past five years, Bookfest has been a successful fundraiser for Hunter Lifeline, it has sold more than 60,000 books and raised about $120,000 for local crisis and suicide prevention programs that save local lives.
Lifeline Hunter and Central Coast chairman Gary Webb said The Star as the media sponsor from the outset had helped with book drives, calls for volunteers, and attracting book lovers to this annual event.
“Without The Star’s support from the start, Lifeline would not been able to take this brave new step of opening a book store year round,” he said.
Lifeline Hunter and Central Coast retail manager Jason Fox said the success of Bookfest showed local people still liked to buy printed books, particularly if they were supporting vital community services.
Mr Fox said more than 14,000 books were sold in a weekend at this year’s Bookfest.
“Book people love books – they want the tangible product – they love the feel of a book,” he said.
He said from previous experience in local Lifeline stores people bought $10 worth of books, read them in a fortnight, recycled them then bought another $10 worth of books.
“We have the market to recycle books plus more than 100,000 books are donated to local Lifeline stores each year, so we have the stock and the space at our Hamilton warehouse,” he said.
Mr Fox believed it would be the first Lifeline dedicated book shop in NSW.
“The book shop means people can access our great range of books al the time, not just once a year.
At the book shop, there are thousands of books across an array of titles and genres.
They are priced from as little as 50 cents and range to collectables up to $250, however, the average price is $2 a book.
The shop is managed by Sue Ross and a dedicated team of about 20 volunteers, who sort, categorise, and sell donated books.
There are also plans to run a special event every two months.
The first one is planned for next month, which will have a Christmas focus.
Lifeline Bookshop, 50 Clyde Street, Hamilton North, open Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 2.30pm.
Those who wish to be a book volunteer can phone 4940 2000.
To donate books drop off at the bookshop or any local Lifeline store.
