Paperbacks were flying off the shelf in July for Proserpine Museum’s Book Bonanza with the local institution reporting this year was its best ever, both in terms of donations and funds raised.
Volunteers at the museum were astounded by the backing from the local community as the over two decade-long running event experienced unprecedented support.
A volunteer at Proserpine Museum attributed the 2022 event’s success to a few factors.
“The community has always given us strong support by giving us the books themselves,” the volunteer said.
“But this year in terms of donations, it’s definitely our best ever. The only things I can think is that people had purchased a lot of books over COVID and they needed somewhere to get rid of them!
“I think, even though it’s been 26 years, the word is really getting out now because there were a lot of new people dropping in.”
The week-long event is the major fundraiser for the museum, with money cycled back into maintenance, upkeep, and upgrades for the volunteer-run building.
The Book Bonanza has long been a “treasure trove” for local collectors, but volunteers were particularly glad to see the new generation picking up the paperbacks this year – another indicator of its growing success.
“We were just so thrilled – the first Saturday and Sunday were the busiest and I was so pleased,” the volunteer said.
“We had so many young families coming through and that was something in particular that I noticed. It was fantastic to see.”
Volunteer Jan Lade, Proserpine Museum Vice President Don Kurkowski, and volunteer Larraine Bigg
