Brisbane's Lifeline Bookfest is back in a big way — three halls big, to be exact — but the much-loved event looks a little different this time around.
With the pandemic putting greater demand on the crisis support line, restocking your reading list could help raise vital funds and save lives.
"So there will be an amazing choice for people."
Tables of tightly packed titles will be laid out across three large halls at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from June 26 to July 4.
Lifeline said 1,000 crates of books would be on sale for the event.
Like so much of our lives since the pandemic began, the bookfest will be cashless.
"Also we won't be wrapping the books, so if people can bring their own bags, that would be really appreciated," Mr MacKay said.
People will also have to register on the Queensland COVID app by scanning a QR code as they arrive.
Not being able to hold the past two events has put financial strain on the support line, but it is hoped Brisbane's avid readers will bolster funds this year.
Mr MacKay said Lifeline had seen a 40 per cent increase in the call rate over the past year, with each call costing the service $39.00.
"It varies dramatically from people feeling very isolated, very lonely, obviously, there's financial stress," he said.
"There's a multitude of reasons why people call the line and it's crucial that we are able to answer that.
"We're hoping to have sales around $1.5 million, which is not an easy feat to achieve but that's the sort of revenue that we need to help continue to fund our crisis support line."
To pull it off, 2,000 volunteers are needed.
'Amazing atmosphere' brings volunteers back
Lina Weise, 20, and her twin sister Safiyah from Kuraby in Brisbane's south have volunteered previously at the Bookfest.
"You can pick a range of jobs … packing the books, being at the register, cleaning the books.
"You'll meet a lot of great people, and it's a great experience."
Mr MacKay said running a COVID-safe event required more hands on deck.
"There are so many things that need to be done, throughout the day and the whole event, that any assistance is just really greatly appreciated," he said.
"Without the kindness of the Queensland community and the Brisbane community, this event couldn't take place."
