Local and tourists with a thirst for knowledge streamed into the Hawks Nest Community Centre last weekend for Rotary’s massive annual book sale.

More than six thousand items were up for sale, an Aladdin’s cave of treasures for lovers of books.

Rotary Committee Member Ray Harrison, one of the major organisers, has been helping put the sale together for the past seven years.

At age 88 Ray has been a member of Apex and Rotary for 70 years.

“I’ve been lucky,” he said with a laugh.

“My father joined Rotary in 1929, he was very active member.”

Organising the book sale is very much a year-long affair, with 25 volunteers needed in the final stages, to help with the set up and keep the wheels turning.

“The Surf Life Savers also help out with the heavy lifting,” Ray told News Of The Area.

The McCann family from Dapto, south of Sydney, were early visitors to the hall last Friday and thrilled to pick up plenty of books to keep everyone busy reading.

“You’ve got to love a good book,” said mum Natalie.

The McCanns were first time visitors to the Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens area and thoroughly enjoyed their week long stay at Myall Shores.

Over the next week, Rotary officials will take stock; any book deemed to have been around for too long will be taken to the tip.

Decisions will also be made in regards to the distribution of money raised.

One thing is certain however, that the beneficiaries of all Rotary’s hard work will be the local Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest community.

By Margie TIERNEY