Come and visit the first Lifeline Northern Beaches Book Fair of 2023 at Forestville Memorial Hall, Starkey St, Forestville. Every purchase helps fund Lifeline's local crisis support and suicide prevention services.
With more than 60,000 books in over 50 categories, there's a quality title at a great price for everyone.
Doors open at 11am on Wednesday, 12 April 2023.
Early Bird entry for $10 from 8am on 12 April 2023.
Wed 12 April - 11am-6pm
Thurs 13 April - 9am-6pm
Fri 14 April - 9am-6pm
Sat 15 April - 9am-3pm
Find out more, join our mailing list or see how to donate at www.lifelinenb.org.au/book-fairs
See how Lifeline Northern Beaches supports our community, visit www.lifelinenb.org.au/get-help
I have been lifting the lid on the chockfull boxes that hold over 23 tons of books going to the Lifeline Book Fair in Forestville from 12-15 April, trying to decide what to tempt you with. Then at a music festival this past weekend, I knew what it was.
I felt it in the moment when things went wrong. A power outage that couldn't be fixed. Three young musicians, their first performance in Australia, stood on stage unable to perform. Nearly 1,000 people waiting expectantly. The musicians looked terrified, confused and disappointed - to say the least!
Someone in the audience yelled, "Do acoustic." They looked at each other uncertainly and shook their heads but more of the crowd picked up the call. Overcoming their panic and unplugging their instruments they tentatively began to pick and pluck.
The sound was thin in the big space. The audience responded, clapping to the rhythm, supportive and encouraging. The spirit and energy of the musicians lifted, and the sound carried further.
In that moment, the faces of these three young people were filled with relief, joy, confidence and optimism. The human connection was palpable. And we responded with more joyous and intense rhythmic clapping and shouts of encouragement. And the unamplified music surged even further. The show went on.
That's why we need you to come to the Book Fair. It's time when we can connect as humans in a challenging, unsettling world. Many in our community are struggling mentally, emotionally or financially overwhelmed by the circumstances in their lives.
Coming to the Book Fair is not about just getting a bargain, it is about providing a lifeline to those among us who are struggling. The $6, $60 or whatever you spend will allow someone to experience human connection and compassion that may be just what they need to find the strength to 'pick up their instruments and play'.
So, come along and browse. You might find a treasure among our collectables, including books on wine and cooking. There's a beautiful copy of Tintin and Alpha-art, that we haven't seen before. You don't know what you might find until you're at the Book Fair.
Books, puzzles and games make great birthday and Christmas gifts. And a great way to give new life to much-loved items. If you are an avid collector of a series of books, you could find the missing one in our Old Favourites section of titles written prior to 2014.
With 60,000 books, games and puzzles, there is plenty to choose from. I guarantee you will find a treasure or something you haven't read before. But more importantly, you will be giving something to people who need Lifeline's help. That human connection in challenging times is priceless.
Words by Sharene Jackson
