This year’s Bookarama marks a special chapter in the Rotary Club of Ōamaru’s history.

The club is celebrating 100 years since its inaugural meeting was held, on 1 April 1925, and the official charter issued on 12 May the same year.

The Bookarama is a popular fundraiser held annually, selling second-hand books, CDs, records, DVD, puzzles, etc.

Last year’s event raised more than $50,000, and Rotary president Malcolm Walker, who is also co-ordinating the fundraiser with wife Lyn, says a new venue this year will mean more space for the increasing amounts of donations.

The sale will take place on 9-18 May, in the former John’s Furniture Warehouse, at 37 Ribble Street.

“With the increased space, we will also have an opportunity to offer a few more innovations for our shoppers, especially for the children and their parents,” Malcolm says.

“Space is critical for shoppers, especially during the very busy hours of day one and the new venue gives us plenty of room for browsing and buying.”

More donations are always welcome, with proceeds raised going back into the North Otago community, he says. 

“Bookarama is a great opportunity to have a clean out and donate to very good causes . . . As usual, please no magazines or encyclopedias.”

One of the most exciting donations this year is from a local enthusiast who has gifted his lifetime collection of automotive books.

“This collection is huge and covers all aspects of cars, trucks and trains. It has been his lifetime interest and we were delighted to accept the kind offer,” Malcolm says.

Donations can be dropped off at two locations this year: North Otago Motor Group and Alex Campbell Menswear (the former Noel Leeming building) during business hours. They can also be collected by contacting Malcolm on 022 378 9605 or Mark Hay on 027 434 9084.

An Ōamaru Rotary Bookarama was first held in 1974, with some of the funds from that event going to the Oamaru Fire Service to finance a Porta set of jaws for extracting victims from crashed vehicles.

In 1987 the first of the “current series” of Bookarama was held as a fundraiser for Polio Plus, a worldwide project aiming to rid the world of polio.

Malcolm says it is fitting Bookarama continues to grow, and to celebrate and honour its commitment to local communities.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to our annual fundraising event and we hope they enjoy the experience to the same extent that we, as Rotarians and volunteers alike, enjoy presenting it.”

The club will celebrate its centenary next weekend (April 11-13) with a special dinner and the official launch of Rotary Club of Oamaru - 100 Years of Service - 1925-2025, a book written by local journalist Jacquie Webby.

“It is a very special year for us, and for a service club to celebrate 100 years, makes this year’s Bookarama an extra special event,” Malcolm says.

Bookarama 2025 will open at 10am on Friday, 9 May and will close at lunchtime on Sunday, 18 May.