Thousands of books are drawing big crowds in Alexandra and it is all for a good cause.

Yesterday marked day one of the four-day Annual Charity Book Sale, a fundraiser hosted by the Alexandra Rotary Club.

The event is a popular new year tradition and this year is no exception, as people flock to the Alexandra Community Centre in Skird St, in search of some summer holiday reading.

Co-organiser and past president Kevin MacKenzie said about 60 people were waiting for the doors to open yesterday, while many more followed throughout the day.

“The first day is always our biggest day. That’s the day you get dealers and people who are really keen on getting something specific, so they line up and they come in, which is great.”

Holiday-makers also make up a large portion of people who come through the doors.

Holiday-makers Angie (left) and Laurelle Hopkinson (5), of Bluff, search for some books on opening day. PHOTO: The Central App

Overall, the event has raised more than $600,000 for various groups throughout its 36 year history.

Kevin said this year marks the third year funds have been raised for the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust, with last year’s event raising $28,000.

A wide range of genres and titles will be available to choose from until January 4. PHOTO: The Central App

“That’s our target for this year - we try to see if we can do better each year.”

For many years the event was held from Boxing Day, but it was shifted to New Year’s Day and the group has not looked back since.

“It works really well,” Kevin said.

“It suits the people better because we aren’t messing with their family Christmases now, so it’s to stay on January 1st.”

The sale will end on January 4.