The Chronicle Lifeline Bookfest is back at the Toowoomba Showgrounds for 2023

For many, books offer an escape from everyday life. Thanks to a special event this weekend, books can also offer the much needed page turner in peoples’ lives.

Thousands of bookworms will pour into the Toowoomba Showgrounds on Saturday to snap up literary bargains and help the community’s vulnerable turn a new page in their lives.

The Chronicle Lifeline Bookfest will this weekend welcome travellers through its doors to an array of thousands of books, DVDs, toys and games.

Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland acting CEO Rachelle Patterson checks out just some of the books on offer at The Chronicle Lifeline Bookfest, Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“It’s really a significant fundraiser for us, because it enables us to raise the necessary funds to deliver the vital services that we do,” Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland Acting CEO Rachelle Patterson said.

“This is something so many people expect and look forward to each year, and it brings all of the booklovers from across the region and beyond to Toowoomba.”

Ms Patterson said ongoing donations enabled the annual event to take place, with an abundance of books on offer for under $5.

In 2022, Bookfest raised $60,000 to assist the charity in delivering further services.

Now, Lifeline is hoping to raise $65,000.

“Everything we do is so closely linked to what is going on in our community,” Ms Patterson said.

“If you look at what's happening with inflation rate, housing and homelessness issues, families are really struggling.

“Having a joyful event like this, it's a way for people to access something that is affordable, and it's a way of connecting with the community and stopping that social isolation for people.

“Anyone can walk in and buy at least one book.”

The Chronicle Lifeline Bookfest will operate at the Toowoomba Showgrounds on Saturday 8am to 5pm, and Sunday 8am to 2pm.