About Bookfest

Now in it's 18th year, the Lifeline Bookfest is the world's largest pre-loved book sale. More than one million books go on sale in January and June each year at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, helping to raise funds for Lifeline's 24 hour Crisis Counselling Line and other free counselling services.


New opening hours!

This June, Lifeline Bookfest is running for 4 days from Saturday June 7 to Tuesday June 10:

8am-8pm Saturday, Sunday, Monday
9am-5pm Tuesday


Hay, hay it's a book sale...

The Lifeline Bookfest began back in 1989 in the old Lifeline warehouse at Bowen Hills. Books were laid out across hay bales covered with blankets!

What a long way the fundraising event has come. After a stint at the RNA Showgrounds, Bookfest moved to its current home at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in 1997.

In June 2002, the event moved to two Exhibition Halls creating more space for bargain hunters. Bookfest organisers are confident it is the world's largest pre-loved book sale.

People flock from across Brisbane and even other parts of Queensland and interstate for the bi-annual phenomenon.


More than a good read...

Apart from giving people the opportunity to grab a great book from as little as 20 cents, the Lifeline Bookfest also raises much-needed funds for Lifeline Brisbane's free counselling services.

From humble beginnings, the event now brings in around one-third of of Lifeline Brisbane's self-funded income (the majority of profits coming from the sale of second-hand clothes in Lifeline Shops.)

To find out about more about Lifeline Brisbane's counselling services, visit the Lifeline Community Care Queensland website or Contact Lifeline.


But where does Lifeline get the books?

Lifeline staff work all year round to make the Lifeline Bookfest happen. Dedicated staff and volunteers sort through around 25 000 books each week to prepare stock for the event. Donations flood in through the blue Lifeline donation bins that are scattered across Brisbane.

Lifeline offers a free pick up service for large donations, including donations of books. If you would like clean out your shelves and help keep the Bookfest cycle going, just call Lifeline on 3632 1010.