Stampede for an early bargain

The chance to grab a bargain saw thousands of booklovers flock to the 12th annual Mount Maunganui & District Lioness Club Book Fair over the weekend.

Book Fair convenor Diana Drumm said eager readers lined the Mount Sports Centre for hours before opening time on Saturday, the first day of the fair.

Mrs Drumm said when she opened the doors at 10am she was almost mowed down.

"One man was so keen he slid across the hall floor and right under a line of tables so he could be first in line at the record stall. It was amazing, he obviously knew what he wanted," she said.

Mrs Drumm said she did not know how many donated books were up for grabs or how many went out the door.

"After sorting the books twice a week since May I just stopped counting," she said.

"But I know we've shifted heaps of books, especially on the first day which is fantastic.

"It's been a really great weekend with lots of out-of-towners through the doors including quite a few Americans, Australians, Aucklanders and people from Rotorua."

A Mount tradition, the sale is the Mount Maunganui & District Lioness Club Charitable Trust's only major fundraiser for the year with all proceeds going back into the local community.

Last year more than 20 charities benefited including Tauranga Foodbank, Youthline and Lions Christchurch Earthquake Relief Fund.

"It's been lots of hard work and there have been a few sleepless night on my part as convenor but it's all been worth it in the end," she said. The final tally had not been calculated and the charity recipients will be decided throughout the year.