Volunteers flat out as books pour in for sale

The annual Dannevirke Lions Book Sale is still more than six months away but club members are having to get stuck into sorting books already.

"I think people have spent their Christmas and New Year holidays sorting out their cupboards while it was so wet. Boxes of books are just pouring in and we have thousands of items already," member Graeme Evans said.

A small army of volunteers is busy sorting the books under the stage in the town hall.

Member George Popow said it was incredible how much the book sale had grown during the years.

"It started very small and is now huge. The people of Dannevirke have really taken ownership of this and are very supportive," Mr Popow said.

Some interesting books on New Zealand history had been handed in, as well as some on war history.

"Some of these are fascinating books and the war history ones are a correct portrayal, not Hollywood's versions of events," Mr Popow said.

"We will also have a specials table and there will be a good range of books available."

Any books handed in on local history will be kept aside and donated to the Gallery of History.

A large number of books on the Air Force and aircraft had also been donated to the sale but Mr Evans said if anyone was interested in them, those books could be sold separately before the big day.

"If anyone is after specialist books or something in particular, they are welcome to contact us and let us know what they are after and we will keep them aside if they come in," he said.

Last year, members were also forced to start sorting books in early January. More than 20,000 books, magazines and puzzles were up for grabs as thousands of punters went through the doors during the three-day sale in July.

Many people queued to go in for the opening of the sale and members were kept busy keeping the tables stocked and tidy. This year looks to be no different.

"People are very keen and they are asking us already when the sale is on," Mr Evans said.

The annual sale will be held at the end of July. Books can be dropped off at the Dannevirke Information Centre. If you are interested in the air force books or after a particular book, contact Mr Evans on 374 7416 or Mr Popow on 374 7152.