Lifeline Canberra’s September Bookfair was a huge success, organisers say, setting a new record for the springtime fair which is traditionally smaller than the February event.

Around 20,000 people attended the event, held over three days from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 September, at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC).

The Bookfairs, the largest gathering of book-lovers in Canberra, raise a major portion of the funding needed to keep Lifeline’s local crisis support service running.

Funds raised were up by more than $40,000 compared to last year’s September Bookfair, despite fewer people attending – people through the door were down by a few hundred.

Lifeline Canberra CEO Carrie Leeson said the success was due to the hard work of volunteers.

“Your willingness to sacrifice your time to support suicide prevention is so appreciated, and it made a significant difference in our fundraising efforts,” Ms Leeson told them.

“Thanks to your tireless efforts, we were able to raise crucial funds that will directly benefit the crisis call centre and the noble cause we stand for.”

The next Lifeline Canberra Bookfair will be held on 9-11 February 2024 at Exhibition Park in Canberra. Lifeline Canberra also sells donated books, DVDs, CDs and vinyl records, and other published materials at Book Lovers Lane bookstore at Fyshwick Markets, open Thursday to Sunday 9am-4pm.

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