A ‘save the date’ on the Manawatū calendar, the Palmerston North Book Sale over King’s Birthday Weekend is annual proof of how our members and branches are here for humanity.
Each year for more than 30 years, a committed group of Red Cross members unite with community organisations, local businesses and members of the public to hold a four-day extravaganza selling books, jigsaws, DVDs, and CDs.
From its earliest days in the early 1990s — where $1,000 was raised from the back garden of a local Red Cross building — the event has grown to encompass three halls. All are full of bargains that savvy buyers flock to, even from overseas.
Each year is its own lesson in logistics. With coordination and organisation provided by Red Cross members, a collection of community groups, schools, and volunteers descend on-site to bring ambition to life.
Planning months in advance, ‘moving day’ kicks in during late May. Volunteers begin setting up a week before the event, relocating more than 4,000 boxes of books — each weighing roughly 15kg — for a combined total of close to 60 tonnes.
Supporters and helpers all contribute to getting the book sale set up. They include people from Palmerston North Boys’ High School, Tai Wānanga Tū Toa, and New Kiwis Youth Group – which is made up of former refugees who’ve settled in the area.
They’re supported by students from two different language schools, many of them former refugees who help as a way to give back to New Zealand Red Cross.
The community bands together to keep all volunteers fed throughout the four days, with local businesses such as Yoplait, Dominos, and Chilli Box donating food.
All money raised goes towards New Zealand Red Cross.
We are grateful to all the volunteers — and the supporters — who make the Palmerston North Red Cross Annual Book Sale the must-attend event that it is.
Event details
Event: Palmerston North Red Cross Annual Book Sale
Date: Friday 30 May to Monday 2 June. Doors open from 10.00am.
Location: Arena 5, Waldegrave Street, Palmerston North
View our book sale details on Eventfinda
More information
- Find out more information on the Red Cross Book Sale, Priced Section.
Priced section public guide [PDF 112KB) - Find our more information on the Red Cross Book Sale, Childrens Hall.
Childrens Hall public guide [PDF 116KB) - Download Price Section and Childrens Hall combined guide
Combined public guide [PDF 535KB) - We are currently recruiting for a number of roles in Palmerston North. Join us today!