Attending BOOKarama 2026: Helpful Tips to Make Your Visit Easy

Apr 13, 2026 | News

BOOKarama is one of Bishopdale‑Burnside Rotary’s most popular community events, and with a little preparation you can make the most of your visit. Whether you’re a seasoned BOOKarama regular or attending for the first time, the tips below will help you navigate the day smoothly and enjoy the experience.

Plan Ahead Before You Arrive

BOOKarama is known for its great bargains, so it’s a good idea to come prepared.

Bring a sturdy shopping bag to carry your book and puzzle treasures home.
If driving, we recommend parking near Bishopdale Library, at the corner of Farrington Avenue and Raleigh Street, as this makes exiting with purchases far easier.

Getting In and Finding Your Way

Entrance to BOOKarama is via the main entrance of the Bishopdale Recreation Centre. Please follow the signs, keep to footpaths, and take care around nearby traffic.

Inside the building:

Toilets are located just after the main entrance and before you enter the hall.
A café is available near the front entrance (opening times may vary).
Additional cafés and shops can be found throughout Bishopdale Mall, making BOOKarama a great chance to support local businesses too.

map on the layout for BOOKarama at the Bishopdale Recreation Centre

Best Times to Visit

The first one to two hours each day are usually the busiest. For everyone’s safety, entry may occasionally be restricted during peak times. We appreciate your patience if this happens.

Finding What You’re Looking For

Inside the hall:

Jigsaws and DVDs are generally located near the entrance.
Books are arranged by category on the remaining tables, making them easy to browse.

Please note that donated items are second‑hand. Some jigsaws may be missing one or two pieces, and any known issues are clearly marked and reflected in the price.

Special Books

Be sure to check out the Special Book table, located near the pricing and cashier area. These items are priced individually and often include unique or collectible titles.

Pricing and Payment

Once you’ve selected your items:

Take them to the pricing tables along the back wall on the far left of the hall from the entrance.
Our volunteer pricing teams will count and price your purchases.
Proceed to the Cashier Desk, located to the right‑hand rear of the hall.

We prefer EFTPOS, but cash, credit/debit cards and payWave are all accepted. There is no surcharge, and any additional contribution is always appreciated. To keep queues moving, please have your card, phone or cash ready when approaching the cashier.

You will find the pricing and cashiers desks at the back of the hall

Exiting the Hall

After paying, exit through the rear doors toward the car park. You may be asked to show your receipt on the way out. During busy periods, our team members will help direct you either to pricing tables or the cashier, depending on where space is available.

Need Help?

All BOOKarama team members are volunteers and can be identified by their branded uniforms. If you have questions, need directions, or have lost a partner, child, phone or glasses, please speak to one of our team and we’ll do our best to help reunite you.

At busy times there may be a short wait at pricing or cashier desks. Thank you for your patience and kindness to our volunteer team — your support helps make BOOKarama a success for the whole community.