Bookworms queuing up for monster Whanganui Rotary fair again this year

Monster Book Fair coordinator Jo Thomson said there is something for everyone in the vast selection. Photo/Liz Wylie

Whanganui book lovers were waiting outside ready to get first dibs when the Wanganui Rotary Monster Book Fair opened on Thursday morning.

"There are always some very keen buyers waiting before we open each year," said coordinator Jo Thomson.

"It is always a pleasant experience because readers tend to be nice people and they love browsing through the selections."

She says the former Farmers homewares building in Victoria Ave is an excellent venue for the city's largest book fair.

With one entrance on Victoria Ave and another on St Hill St, there is good access and plenty of browsing room inside.

"We are also very grateful to Dave Moore who has allowed us to use space in his Taupo Quay building to sort the books.

"All the novels have been sorted into alphabetical author listings which makes it easier for people to browse."

Thomson said there are around 20,000 books as well as DVDs, CDs and some vinyl and cassette recordings.

"We've had a lot of religious books donated this year and there are a number of large print and talking books.

"Anyone with sight disabilities should talk to one of our volunteers who will help them with guidance or reading titles."

The annual sale is being held for the 12th year and has been extended over two long weekends.

The 2018 sale was four days long and people were still coming in sizeable numbers on the last day so Rotary decided to extend it further this year.

Money raised from the annual sale goes to support the Rotary club's local and overseas work.

The Monster Book Fair will be on today and tomorrow 9am to 4pm and from 10am on Sunday. And the fair will be open again from Friday, April 5, to Sunday, April 7.