Bookfest is responsible for fundraising millions of dollars towards Lifeline’s Crisis Hotline and is expected to return to record crowds this year.

A hardworking team of 700 volunteers have been working diligently throughout the week to set up this year’s Bookfest in time for its opening this Saturday, 26 June.

The previous two Bookfest events were cancelled due to Covid-related health and safety concerns, which means Lifeline has amassed almost 2 million books over the past 18 months, all of which will be on sale for between $2.50 and $10.

All proceeds of Bookfest go to Lifeline’s Crisis Support Hotline which, during the peak of the pandemic, received one call every 30 seconds.

Every penny earned at Bookfest goes to funding this service, which Jamie Mackay, Lifeline’s Retail General Manager, said is a vital support system.

“For the suicide prevention you’re looking at a big impact on us, because you know we can potentially take anywhere from that sort of two and a half to $3 million over to Bookfest in a year.

“That’s a lot of money not raised for suicide prevention. It has been a very challenging year for us so support would be obviously greatly appreciated,” he said.

This year, Bookfest will extend throughout all three halls of the Brisbane Convention Centre (Image: Supplied)

To maintain Covid safety, there will be a few differences in operation this year, with Mackay urging punters to bring their book bags as there will be no wrapping of books.

“It will be spread over three halls, and there will be no one dollar section this year because there are just so many books. It will also be completely cashless with EFTPOS terminals at each register,” he said.

There will be two main sections this year: $2.50 section and the High Quality sections which ranges from between $4 and approximately $10 depending on the quality and rarity of the book.

The categories on offer include Children’s, History, Biography, Literature and Classics, Textbooks, Travel, Fiction, Vehicles and War Craft, Philosophy, Science, and more.

“We know there will be lots of customers very keen to come along, and we can’t wait to welcome them, but we do suggest planning your visit,” said Mackay.

“Typically, peak periods are on the first day and Saturday and Sundays, but if you can aim to come outside these times, you’ll have an excellent opportunity to browse the impressive collection.”

Lifeline Bookfest opens at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on Saturday 26 June.