From Friday to Sunday, the Bega Showground pavilion was abuzz with book-lovers all searching for a bargain holiday read.

While a final fundraising tally is yet to be calculated, Rotary Bega member Jeff Tipping said he expects it will be similar to last year’s takings.

If that’s the case it makes for a great story.

Last year’s statistics are impressive – 2000 visitors, 50,000 books sold and over $11,000 raised. 

“We are more than happy with the excellent support we’ve received,” Mr Tipping said of the weekend’s sale.

“We had more books than ever before and across the board we had great support.”

While Mr Tipping admitted the hot and stifling weather may have kept people away across the weekend, Friday was particularly busy.

“The comments we get back from people visiting is that they always look forward to our next sale.”

Rotary also holds a winter book fair in July, but the January event always outshines its cold weather cousin.

The summer fair attracts many of the holiday makers visiting the area, keen for a great book bargain or beach read. 

If those browsing were keen on Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code or Fifty Shades of Grey by EL James, they were definitely in luck.

Mr Tipping laughed, saying it almost got to the point they were trying to give away copies of The Da Vinci Code, but the number of Fifty Shades was running a close second.

While locals and visitors alike roamed the aisles, plenty of Rotary members and friend of Rotary were on hand to unload, sort and pack up boxes of books.

“We get a lot of support from Rotary and friends of Rotary as well as a number of people just wanting to volunteer their time happy to sort books or young fellas who help load up,” Mr Tipping said, thanking them all for their efforts.

Rotary is always on the lookout for more members.

The Bega club meets every Thursday at Littleton Café at 6pm.

Anyone interested in becoming a member, or who would like more information, can call Rotary Club of Bega president Beth Walters on 6492 3712.