Big turnout and more money for Whangārei’s Zonta book sale this year

The organizers of the annual Zonta book sale have given this year’s event a boost, both in the numbers that flocked to the book fair and in the amount raised.

The 29th Great New Zealand Book Sale, organized by the Zonta Clubs of Whangārei and Mangakahia Lions, was held Saturday and yesterday at a new venue.

Co-organizer Barbara MacDonald said organizers were happy with the number of people in attendance, even yesterday, which was normally quieter.

“We are extremely pleased with the response and turnout.”

The sale had cost more money than last year, she added, although they were still awaiting a final figure.

The sale brought in $47,000 last year before expenses, with proceeds going to charitable causes.

The Zonta Foundation for Women is a global not-for-profit charity that has been active in New Zealand for 50 years.

The district’s project for the past two years has been to support grandparents raising their grandchildren.

The organizing team has been affected by the Covid this year, which has brought out a number of volunteers.

This year’s sale was held in the old Smiths City building on Porowini Rd. In previous years it was held at the Forum North and in a Town Basin space last year.

The new location made it easier for organizers to store and sort the books on site, rather than transporting them twice.

MacDonald said it made it difficult to see how many books had been sold compared to previous years, but there were a number of empty tables early Sunday afternoon.

“Every year is different, we’re in a different venue every year. Let’s just say it’s going to be a very successful weekend and we’re very happy about that.”

Thousands of books were on sale, collected over a six-week period, including fiction, non-fiction, history, biographies, gardening, cooking, art, poetry and music.

Children’s books and paperbacks were the most popular categories.