Thousands of books will pull a big crowd in Alexandra, as the Annual Charity Book Sale hosted by the Alexandra Rotary Club kicks off tomorrow, January 1 at 9am.

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

In previous years 60 people have been waiting outside for the doors to open on day one. 

Lead co-convenor Mark Willyams said the last minute organising and sorting was going well.

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

Mark said collectors would come from the cities along with holidaymakers and families to find all kinds of books.

“There is something for everyone… and really good kids books, all children's books are $2.”

This year's recipients of a portion of the funds raised are the Central Otago Health Shuttle, Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust and the Alexandra Fire Brigade. 

The sale has been running for 37 years, and last year a portion of the $31,000 raised went to the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust.

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

Collection boxes are still out for a few more days at Central business including NPD, Caltex, Central Interiors, Alexandra Community House, Guthrie Bowron, and Omakau Auto Centre. 

Mark said people can also donate books at the Community Centre while the sale is on.

Books made up a large portion of items on offer, and puzzles, magazines, CDs and DVDs were also for sale.

Organisers thanked Skevingtons Contracting for their support and for providing a sorting location for the 2025 book sale.

Each year the committee start planning and sorting items over Labour weekend. 

Approximately 15 to 20 people sort donated books weekly and put in "big hours" to ensure the sale runs smoothly, Mark said.  

The last day of the sale is January 4.

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