The Big Book Fair
Lifeline's Big Book Fair is the major fundraising event for Lifeline's 24-hour crisis support service in the Illawarra and South Coast. 18 to 21 March 2027.
Our event
Lifeline's Big Book Fair is back, with over 80,000 books pre-loved books on sale over four days. Our next event is being held on
18 to 21 March 2027 at the Illawarra Sports & Community Precinct, Berkeley.
18-21 March 2027
When
- Thursday 18 March 5pm – 9pm
- Friday 19 March 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Saturday 20 March 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Sunday 21 March 9:00am – 4:00pm
Entry
- Thu: $10 Early Bird Entry
- Fri – Sun: Gold Coin Entry
Where
Illawarra Sports & Community Precinct, Berkeley
Each event is a chance to spread our love of reading far and wide, save books from landfill and raise vital funds for Lifeline South Coast. What's more, your second-hand book purchases help to deliver essential crisis support and suicide prevention services within the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and South Coast.
October 2026 Floor Plan
Collectables & Special Collections October 2026
Answers to your questions
Where can I donate books for Book Fair?
Books can be donated to our Book Sorting Warehouse at 19 Auburn Street, Wollongong. Please call prior to donating to ensure we can accept your donation 0436 859 409.
Please note our Warehouse is closed the week before and the week after each Book Fair.
Can I bring books to donate at Book Fair?
Yes, they can be dropped off in the carpark.
My book has water damage, can I still donate it?
If books are damaged, soiled or mouldy we are unable to accept them due to the high cost in recycling them.
Do you have EFTPOS at Book Fair?
Yes, we accept both cash and EFTPOS.
Is there an entry fee?
Thursday has a $10 entry fee, as this will give you exclusive first access. We have a gold coin entry fee for all other days. EFTPOS is available.
Do you need volunteers for the event?
If you would like to volunteer for our next event please fill out the application form below.
Book Lovers Newsletter
We're inviting you to join our Book Lovers Club and enjoy exclusive information about the Big Book Fair, before the book fair, plus so much more. Sign up here and join our Booklovers newsletter.
Volunteer at Big Book Fair
We're looking for enthusiastic book lovers to volunteer at the Big Book Fair! There are a range of different roles available to suit your interests from event set-up/pack down, customer service, cash register operators/assistants, tally tables and more.
Event Set Up/Pack Down
Great for Corporates
Customer Service
Manage a book section, restock tables
Tally Tables
Good with numbers? Help tally books