METRONEWS
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One book sold every 30 seconds

Abbey Wakefield

Christchurch's annual Big Bargain Book Sale attracted thousands of people trying to get their hands on one of the 60,000 books on offer.

Thousands of readers flooded the Pioneer Recreation & Sport Centre over the weekend making one transaction every 30 seconds.

Big Bargain Book Sale organiser Jane Hackett said there were between 50,000 and 60,000 books on offer. All of the books were cancelled stock from city council libraries and they sold for around $3.00 per book.

"It's so heartening seeing so many people come to the sale, such a great opportunity for people to refresh their book shelves."

Jane Hackett said picture books are read around 80 times in a library before they get cancelled. 

"There's a whole science and statistic around cancelling a book."