Bookworms line up for bargains | Ipswich News | Local News in Ipswich

Drug Arm’s Mechile Gumalal helps sort books for the annual Drug Arm Book Affair.

Rob Williams

FROM page-turning thrillers to popular fictional wizard Harry Potter, thousands of books will be up for grabs next week as part of the Ipswich Book Affair.

The event will be held from Thursday to Saturday at St Paul's Anglican Church Hall in Brisbane Street.

Drug Arm fundraising co-ordinator Mechile Gumalal said about 50,000 books would be on offer, from romance to Australiana, self-help, sport, hobbies and cooking books.

Ms Gumalal said books had been donated by individuals, schools, churches and businesses.

“Each year people see the event as the chance to grab a bargain,” Ms Gumalal said.

“With prices from $1 and $2, it makes it pretty affordable.

“We try to keep prices low because it is a charity event and all the books have been donated.

“We try to give something back as well.”

The book fair will be run from 8.30am to 6pm daily.

This year the organisation is hoping to raise $20,000 to fund local drug and alcohol treatment projects and outreach services.

Ms Gumalal said the Mobile Outreach Support and Health Program or MOSHPIT vans offered referrals to other agencies such as Centrelink, and support in gaining accommodation or simply just a place to share cup of tea and a chat.

“Essentially we go out to certain hot spots and work with youth at risk of becoming homeless or other disadvantaged groups,” she said.

Adding to the local fundraising drive, she said the local Apex Club would host a sausage sizzle on Thursday from 9am and the Boys' Brigade on Saturday from 8.30am.

“It is an extra way to give locals a chance to raise funds for their organisations,” Ms Gumalal said.