Find your next read at book fair
There’s more than 60,000 books inside Te Rapa Racecourse.
Their purpose? To be bought by bookworms, researchers and scholars at the Red Cross Book Fair.
In its 21st year, the annual fair binds thousands of books in each genre at one location.
But there are no fantasy creatures helping the many volunteers set up the rooms.
Red Cross’ Philippa Robertson said they need a rugby team to help them manoeuvre all the books.
But there is no Sam Cane or Aaron Cruden in sight. Instead, helper Les Vuletich becomes a different kind of hero.
Vuletich mans the Collector’s Corner, which is fitting, because he, too, is a collector.
‘‘I’m interested in archaeology, so fossils, geology, anything in that line.’’
He said he’s met a few people at the fair looking for the same kind of books.
‘‘You can get a very good friendship with a person because they have a common interest to what you have. They’re taken back that you can converse with them on their subject.’’
Favourable books for shoppers include Barry Crump, Footrot Flats, Enid Blyton, cookery and art books, Vuletich said.
‘‘People say to me, ‘look, you can go on the computer’, but there’s nothing like going to your own bookcase, taking a book out and it’s right in front of you. Computers, modern technology, it’s nice but (books) take time.’’
All proceeds will go towards supporting and running Red Cross community programmes in the Waikato.
Philippa Robertson said the racecourse has become a fantastic home for the fair.
‘‘For years we had to find an empty building around Hamilton. One year at the old Placemakers building which has now gone, a couple of years in Frankton, one year in Ward St when the roof flooded a few days before the book fair and the entire religion section was drenched.
‘‘Danielle at Te Rapa has been a great help and of course, with the good parking, it makes it much easier for people.’’
Red Cross Book Fair, Te Rapa Racecourse, Te Rapa Rd, Hamilton, Friday, September 8, Sunday, September 10.