Up to $90,000 to be raised at NZ’s Biggest Book

Media Release – May 18, 2004

Up to $90,000 to be raised at NZ’s Biggest Book Sale

Up to $90,000 is expected to be raised at New Zealand’s biggest second-hand book sale in Dunedin’s this week.

The 24th annual Regent Theatre 24-hour book sale opens at midday on Friday.

``We raised $88,000 for the theatre last year and we should get that at least again,’’ sale organiser Doug Lovell said today.

Thousands of people from all over the country will pour into the theatre to hunt for bargains among the sea of 350,000 books.

Nearly all the books sell for just 50 cents as they have for the last 24 years of the annual sale, which has raised over $1million for the great old theatre.

``We’re now recognised as the biggest book sale in New Zealand. The only other annual sale that comes close is New Plymouth and they have copied our model completely, which is great for them,’’ Lovell said.

This year’s sale has rare Beatles volumes, the history of the Maori Battalion, books on NZ trout fishing, sought-after James Bond first-editions and books on steam rail with particular relevance to New Zealand.

``Every year university students walked out with books in excess of $100 which they have only paid 50c for.

First editions, old art books, and leather bound editions going back to 17th century will again be hunted down by book lovers.

Organiser Doug Lovell said sports and non-fiction fans could set up their own NZ rugby and cricket libraries with so many books on offer.

The people of Dunedin have taken the sale, possibly the biggest in the southern Hemisphere, to their hearts.

Organisations from other cities have sent observers to the Regent book sale, including people from Auckland, Kapiti Coast, New Plymouth and Christchurch.

The old theatre is ranked one of the finest in New Zealand and holds a top NZ Historic Places Trust listed classification.

About 150 volunteers rostered on 15 cash tills will help out over the course of the sale bringing the total to 300 Dunedin people who contribute their time and talents to the sale.

ENDS

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