Back to School is cheap and unique with the Lifeline Bookfest

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 5, 2011: THE end of school holidays is in sight but there is still plenty of time for some family fun to be had at the Lifeline Bookfest from January 15 to 23 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Brisbane.

Bookfest Coordinator Roy Frith said the fun doesn’t end when you leave the event.

“There are so many treasures to find at the Bookfest from childhood favourites and cheap text books to DVDs, puzzles, board games and CDs,” Mr Frith said.

“Pick up your bargains at the Bookfest then go home and play, watch, read or listen to them.

The January Bookfest is particularly helpful to students and families who are preparing their kids for another year of study with cheap stationery items and reference books.

“Children don’t want to go to school with their books wrapped in last year’s contact paper and with the same tartan pencil case as everyone else.

“Why not wrap books in favourite images from old magazines and pick up a pencil case that will stand out from the crowd?” Mr Frith said.

The people of Brisbane have shown tremendous support for the Lifeline Bookfest, with an increase in book donations over the past 12 months.

For book lovers, this means a bigger range than ever before so even the most seasoned Bookfest shopper will find a new treat.

“In the past twelve months, the Lifeline Bookfest hit $1million in a single event and moved its storage facility out of the Lifeline Distribution Centre into its own dedicated warehouse,” Mr Frith said.

“More changes are inevitable as the event continues to grow, but we know the success of Bookfest rests on having great books at a great price and that’s one thing that will never change.

UnitingCare Community Volunteer Manager Anastasia Magriplis said the Lifeline Bookfest is not just about the bargains.

“The Lifeline Bookfest would not happen if it wasn’t for our dedicated volunteers,” Ms Magriplis said.

“Over 600 people in the community work together to make the Bookfest happen, and we always need more hands on deck. It’s a whole lot of fun, you can volunteer with friends and you get to meet a whole bunch of wonderful people.

“All funds raised at the Bookfest support Lifeline’s counselling and support programs for individuals, families, women and children,”

“The event keeps getting bigger and there are no signs of it slowing anytime soon.

“We look forward to another 20 years of Bookfest! The first 20 was a blast,” she said.

For more details on the Bookfest, including how to volunteer, please visit www.lifelinebookfest.com