Barbara Ferguson (left), convener of the Dannevirke Lions book sale, and Lilian Russell take a rest during the mayhem of a busy sale last year. Photo / Christine McKay
Barbara Ferguson (left), convener of the Dannevirke Lions book sale, and Lilian Russell take a rest during the mayhem of a busy sale last year. Photo / Christine McKay
Bookworms can expect more innovation and even more books to chose from when the Dannevirke Lions annual book sale opens tomorrow.
"We've extended our hours, with the sale opening at 9.30am tomorrow and running through to 3pm on Sunday. It'll be five days of bookish fun," convenor Barbara Ferguson said.
This year organisers have taken note of the suggestions made by book lovers that they open longer to give buyers more time to relax and browse and revisit the sale.
And this year the children's book sale will be incorporated into the main sale, rather than having its own day.
Koby Smyth and Paige Simmons delve into books galore at a previous Lions book sale in the Town Hall. Photo / Christine McKay
"We loved hosting the special sale for the little ones but it's too difficult for schools to come at the times we prescribed so they will now be able to attend when it suits their own timetable," Mrs Ferguson said.
"And while there will be the huge mainstay of $1 books, be warned, our tables holding quality reading and stunning coffee-table tomes, not to mention the collector's section, will be jam-packed and priced according to their merit. There are some wonderful gifts to be had in these sections."
Two little treasures in the display case of precious items at the sale, include an 1888 edition of Jane Eyre, with the author named as Currer Bell, with the reprint of the original prefaced dated 1847, also by Currer Bell.
"The spine shows the author to be Charlotte Bronte. This isn't in great order, but a worthy addition to classics library," Mrs Ferguson said.
The second treasure is a very early little book beautifully bound in leather. A first edition, printed in Amsterdam in 1709, it's a book of poems, sonnets, madrigals and short plays by Mademoiselle and Madame Deshoulieres.
"It's a lovely book to display, but possibly not to read as, alas, it is all in French. But it is in perfect order," Mrs Ferguson said.
This year, through the generosity of a local family there will be a collection of prints, engravings and paintings displayed along the front of the Town Hall stage. Something for bookworms to admire during a lull in burrowing for bargains, of which there will be thousands.
"Our Lions Club is very grateful to all those who have given their precious books to this annual fundraising effort," Mrs Ferguson said.
"The work goes on all year to put the book sale together and so many people give their time to help make it a success."
Those helping out include the Dannevirke High School boys football team and their manager, the Information Centre which acts as collection point, rural delivery drivers and the volunteers who are at the sale to help fetch and carry.
"And we never forget the Lion's bookies who turn out pretty well every Monday morning to sort and categorise the books which have been arriving all the previous week," Mrs Ferguson said.
