All the world’s a page

Epsom Methodist church has been hosting a charity book fair for 16 years and this year they raised a record amount of £35,700 which will be going towards helping several charities and subsequently many people.

For many people reading books is a way to relax after a hard day of work or after studying for exams. Reading has been associated with stronger analytical skills, a better memory and improved focus. The benefits of reading do not just end with our mental health but also our emotional health with such a range of topics in books that really connect to us. However whilst borrowing books from the library is an option, quite a lot of people prefer to take a book home which they can call their own and then dog ear pages for future references, highlight and scribble notes plus simply enjoy being able to read it again and again whenever but this means spending a lot of money and for some again this isn’t an option, so where do you get great books for not much money? A book fair of course!

During the half term Epsom Methodist church hosted its 16th annual charity book fair which raised money for many charities including Action for Children, Age Concern Epsom & Ewell, EMC Family Worker, Epsom & Ewell Foodbank, Epsom Scouts and Guides, Hope4Malawi, PHAB and the Rainbow Trust. Before books had even been delivered, stored and sold, people had been helping to prepare for the book fair by distributing leaflets to their local communities. The book fair has been labelled as Britain’s biggest charity book fair and brings in people from all over the country and collectors looking for their next load to take home.

Over 200 people helped to make sure the book fair was a success by helping to unpack, sell, direct people, run a café and collect the money of this big operation. One helper commented that “It’s really great being a part of the whole process, of donating books yourself then watching others buy them, there’s a sense of community among the helpers and it helps bring people with the same passion (reading books) together” a keen customer who had a pile of books in her arms commented “It’s amazing, a great way of getting a lot of books for not much money!” With over 6000 books, DVD’s and various music components there was plenty for everyone to sink their teeth into.

The church was divided into sections with different books in different areas, from agriculture, to zebras there was a book for everyone and there was always a helpful steward to guide those who felt slightly daunted by the mass of books. Over three days the book fair welcomed over 2500 book lovers and collectors through their doors which was a 10% increase from the 2016 book fair.

After 3 days of the book fair the doors were closed and the money was counted revealing a staggering £35,700 had been raised! This amount of money was £4000 more than the amount raised last year thus setting a new record for the church. The book fair will hopefully return next year for another amazing grand total so make sure you book your place!

Sarah Atherton, Rosebery School.