Extra efforts ensure Lifeline Bookfair is safe and ready to go

Lifeline Canberra volunteer at the Bookfair at Exhibition Park, Canberra. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.

It’s been almost three years since the last Lifeline Bookfair, and despite COVID and protesters, the Lifeline Canberra team is determined the much-loved event will proceed, bigger, safer and better than ever.

Over a quarter of a million extensively categorised items are now waiting for the booklovers of Canberra to walk through the doors of Exhibition Park in Canberra for Lifeline’s 50th birthday Bookfair. And the Collectors Room will make a much-anticipated return.

The event is on this weekend, Friday 11 to Sunday 13 February, at Exhibition Park, Canberra.

Freedom Convoy to Canberra campers outside of Lifeline Bookfair at EPIC. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

Lifeline Canberra general manager Adam Miller said the Lifeline team has been working closely with Events Canberra, ACT Roads, ACT Policing and Emergency Services to ensure visitors to the Bookfair will have safe access and parking for the event.

Mr Miller said the campground at EPIC, currently occupied by the anti-vaccine mandate protesters, has been sectioned off from the Bookfair.

“The campground is well segregated,” Mr Miller explained. “We have spoken to the protest organisers. They know how important this event is for Canberra Lifeline and how important Lifeline is to our community.

“We have a really good management plan in place. We don’t feel we will be impacted by what is going on externally. The plan allows for extra parking in areas we have not previously had access to.”

Visitors will access the Lifeline Bookfair as usual through the main entrance, Gate 2, and then be directed by traffic management to the parking areas.

“There is great pedestrian access and plenty of accessible parking,” Mr Miller said.

Orwell to gardening guides, your next fav read is probably $10 away.

“Our COVID-safe plan means there are wide open spaces for people to move through and browse, and after a two-year gap, the Collectors Room is back in place. Visitors will be able to experience all that we hope for in a Lifeline Bookfair.”

Lifeline Canberra CEO Carrie Leeson understands the power of staying connected.

“We’re thrilled to be back at EPIC after three years of disruption and uncertainty around our largest fundraiser for crisis support services in our community. The team has worked incredibly hard to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone who has waited so patiently to show their support and restock their shelves,” Ms Leeson said.

Lifeline Canberra also offers the chance to win one of four golden tickets for early access to the July 2022 Bookfair.

“In the lead up to every Bookfair, we receive dozens of requests from individuals hoping to gain early access to this treasure trove of books, memorabilia, vinyl records and DVDs. By giving visitors to this weekend’s Bookfair the opportunity to win a golden ticket, we are hoping to facilitate this and have a great deal of fun at the same time,” Ms Leeson said.

“It costs Lifeline Canberra $26 to answer a life-saving call, so every Bookfair patron (for which the average spend is $31) is saving a life whilst enjoying their time searching for treasures.”

The Bookfair is open on Friday from 9 am to 6 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. Expert help will be on hand to find specific titles which are categorised and sorted thoroughly to make finding what you are looking for a breeze. Entry is for a gold coin donation. For more information, visit Lifeline Canberra.