E-books and Kindles may be popular tools for the discerning reader. On-line audio books are a big thing for many who enjoy an exciting story. But the feel of a good quality book still has massive appeal.
This is the experience of the team that organise the annual Yarragon Charity Book Fair.
The event has been running for more than 20 years and has become a major event on the book lover's calendar.
"The passion we have seen for books is amazing" said Yarragon Fire Brigade member and book fair co-ordinator Geoff Conway. "People from all over Victoria come to Yarragon to search for books that you just cannot get in the stores anymore."
The 2025 book fair will be held this Saturday and Sunday.
Mr Conway said "scheduling of the federal election for the 3rd of May has certainly added another dimension to the task of running the book fair."
"However, we are confident that book lovers will continue to support this event. The important point to remember is that the tables are restocked constantly so there are new books coming out every hour."
Book Fair is a fundraising activity of the Yarragon Volunteer Fire Brigade and Yarragon Primary School Parents Club. This year they have assembled a stock of more than 50,000 books of every description.
"Novels seem to be the favourite but we have people looking for biographies, cook books, self-help manuals and travel books.
"Our favourite part of the Book Fair is the dedicated children's hall. It's wonderful to see the kids searching excitedly through the huge stock we have for them. often with a gleam in their eye," Geoff said.
Stock has been donated from residents and charitable groups. "We have many books that are virtually brand new and will be sold for a fraction of the original price."
Prices for the books are the big attraction with soft covers from $1 each, hardcovers for $2 and children's books for $5 a bag.
A recent innovation is a rare and antiquarian section for books that are of special significance. "This section of the book fair has been quite popular over the past two years. Some of the books donated are unique and highly sort after," he said.
Doors open on Saturday and Sunday morning from 8.30am. "Fresh stock is available throughout the weekend because there simply is not enough room in the hall to display all the stock we have from the start of the fair," Geoff said.
The book fair will be held at the Yarragon Public Hall in Campbell St.