Book Fest September 27-28

It's that time of year again! (For some of us anyway). Book Fest is on this weekend in Bundaberg and Caboolture. 

Book Fest, if you're one of those sad unenlightened people who haven't heard of it, is a wonderful event hosted by Lifeline at various places across Australia. They sell second hand books starting at $2 each, with the price going up depending on condition.

Just to clarify that - you get cheap books and help out a worthwhile charity. It's like earning good karma and receiving it all at the same time! 

Here are some tips from my experiences: 

• Make a list. Sure it's fun to stroll around the tables and try to spot something you like, but if you're like me, you're just going to end up dithering over what you want and probably change your mind right at the last minute. If you have a list, you can save energy lugging that pile of books around, and usually get in first before the ditherers have made up their minds. 
• Bring your own bag. Because trust me, your arms are going to ache. You wouldn't believe how heavy those books get after the first hour. If you have something like a recyclable shopping bag you can just sling it over your shoulder and continue on. 
• Arrive on the Saturday. A lot of the good stuff is gone by Sunday. Get first dibs by getting in early. 
• Take a friend (who's into books). You wouldn't think it, but it is way more fun if you have a friend who's into the same sort of genre you are. I had a blast with my mum when we ran around picking out all the Agatha Christie, or with my friend when we went looking for the Margaret Atwood. 
• Do not take a friend (who's not into books). This is related to the above point. Do not, under any circumstances, bring someone along who's not into books. I've done this. It is a mistake. You will be distracted, they will be bored and wanting to leave before you're ready. It will be awkward
• Plan your day. The best way I've found is to go in the morning, preferably with a friend, and go for lunch afterwards. A few hours is all you need and then you can recharge and go home to start reading all those lovely books. 

Alas, I won't be making it to either of the Book Fests this weekend. I'm going to have to wait until January when the Brisbane Book Fest begins. But for anyone that is, start clearing out your bookcases!