Thousands of books will be up for grabs tomorrow as the Alexandra Rotary Club’s Annual Charity Book Sale kicks off for its 38th year.

The popular event opens at 9am on January 1 at the Alexandra Community Centre on Skird Street and runs through to January 4 as advertised in The Central App What's On guide.

A New Year tradition for many locals and holidaymakers, the four-day sale is expected to attract large crowds looking for summer reads and hidden gems.

Lead co-convenor Mark Willyams said the final sorting was going well, with donated materials arriving over the weekend.

“The materials all came in on Saturday, and we’re doing the final work now at the hall,” he said.

Mark said visitors come from across the region — including families and collectors — to browse the shelves.

“There’s something for everyone... and really good kids' books. Some as little as $2,” he said.

In past years, up to 60 people have queued outside before doors opened on day one.

Last year, the event raised $31,000, with a portion going to the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust. Over nearly four decades, the sale has generated more than $600,000 for community organisations.

Donations are still being accepted, with collection boxes located at local businesses including NPD, Caltex, Central Interiors, Alexandra Community House, Guthrie Bowron and Omakau Auto Centre.

Books can also be dropped off directly at the Community Centre while the sale is underway.

While books make up the bulk of the sale, puzzles, magazines, CDs and DVDs will also be on offer.

Organisers acknowledged support from Skevingtons Contracting, which provided a space for sorting this year’s donations.

Planning begins each year over Labour Weekend, with 15 to 20 volunteers sorting items weekly in the lead-up to the sale.

“They put in big hours to make sure everything runs smoothly,” Mark said.