Bookworms and literary connoisseurs! Did you know that many of Brisbane’s street libraries quietly encourage a culture of book-sharing among neighbours? 

From local street libraries to the huge Lifeline Bookfest (where a million books find new homes), Brisbane’s book scene is crafted by their love for reading.

If you want to do your part, read on to see where you can donate some books to those in need!

What is the Lifeline Bookfest?

The Lifeline Bookfest in Brisbane is an annual four-day event that offers a collection of over a million pre-loved books for sale.

Beyond books, this event is like the superhero of book fairs. It plays a vital role in supporting services, such as the 24-hour crisis support line, that help communities all over the city.

You’re not just indulging in your love for books; you’re also playing a part in the well-being of your local community. Every book you grab contributes to the funds that make a real difference.

What happens at the Lifeline Bookfest in Brisbane?

At the Lifeline Bookfest in Brisbane, guests will be able to explore stacks of $2.50 books, high-quality reads, mind-bending puzzles, vibrant magazines, and a delightful assortment of CDs and DVDs—all waiting to be explored and enjoyed!

And guess what? They restock every single day. So, that fear of missing out? Nonexistent!

Now, picture this: endless genres from fiction to science, cooking to philosophy—they’ve got it all! And for your little bookworms, there’s a whole bunch of children’s books, from classics to new ones, on the market.

But it’s not just about books! In this massive four-kilometer book wonderland, you’ll also find second-hand board games, comics, DVDs, CDs, and other rare finds.

Where is the Lifeline Bookfest held, and how do I get there?

Lifeline Bookfest unfolds at The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. You can either ride your own vehicle or catch public transport to get there.

If you’re hopping on a train, just enjoy a leisurely ten-minute stroll from South Brisbane Train Station. And for all you bus aficionados, the Cultural Centre Busway is conveniently close by.

Rolling up on your own wheels? No problem! The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre has got you covered with undercover parking for a whopping 1500 cars!

And here’s the cherry on top—a direct lift to whisk you straight to the convention floors and exhibition halls. 

For those eyeing the exhibition halls, think about parking in car parks 2 and 3. As for the early birds out there, your best bet is snagging a spot in S1.

How much does it cost to enter Lifeline Bookfest?

Entry to the Lifeline Bookfest in Brisbane is on the house—yes, it’s totally free!

So, walk right in, soak in all the bookish goodness, and save that hard-earned budget for scooping up even more fantastic reads! Free entry, endless book treasures. Now, that’s a winning combo!

Should I bring a shopping bag?

Pack smart for the exciting Lifeline Bookfest! You may bring a spacious tote bag or a sturdy trolley, especially if you’re planning to stock up on books.

Forgot your bags? You may snag their reusable ones for just a buck each. So, whether you come prepared or need a last-minute solution, you’re covered. 

Beyond Lifeline Bookfest: Spreading Book Love in Brisbane

Every year, book lovers like you are making a difference beyond Lifeline Bookfest by donating millions of books to various spots like schools, libraries, and other awesome organisations.

These donated books find new homes, either reaching people who can’t splurge on books or getting sold to help collect funds for different charitable causes.

But before donating, make sure those books are squeaky clean, in tip-top shape, and match the vibe of the folks you’re gifting them to. Oh, and a friendly reminder: scrub off any personal details, like your name or address, for security purposes.

Ready to spread the book love far and wide? Let’s go through our list and dive into the magic of giving below! 

1. New Farm Neighbourhood Centre

Address: 967 Brunswick St, New Farm, QLD 4005, Australia

Website: https://communify.org.au/new-farm-neighbourhood-centre/ 

Contact Details: +61 7 3358 5600

Operating Hours: Monday – Tuesday; Thursday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

In New Farm, Brisbane, you’ll find the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre, a place where donating books is very welcome. This centre is a community hub that supports programmes, social gatherings, and a whole lot of fun vibes.

This centre is a community hub that supports programmes, social gatherings, and a whole lot of fun vibes—where neighbours become friends and where the New Farm community comes alive.

Here, visitors are even welcome to use their community amenities, such as laundry services, cooking facilities, and computer rooms.

Now, let’s talk about making a difference. They’re all about accepting your pre-loved books—think fiction, non-fiction, children’s novels, and anything educational—so focus on these goodies!

2. Givit

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Address: 1080 Milton, QLD 4064, Australia

Website: https://www.givit.org.au/

Givit in Brisbane is an online platform connecting people with extra help to others in need. Aside from donating books, you can also donate clothing, household items, and other essentials to this community hub.

Ready to share the literary love? You can bring your gently used books to Givit’s location, or, for extra ease, go to their website and input details about the books you wish to give as a gift.

From there, Givit takes the reins, organising the acceptance by another organisation or an individual. They can even hook you up with a courier service to handle delivery and pick-up—making it a breeze!

3. Save the Children

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1012464450074279 

Address: 28 Beesley St, West End, QLD 4101, Australia 

Website: https://www.savethechildren.org.au/

Contact Details: +61 7 3199 0500

Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Save the Children is on a global mission, helping kids in need all over the world. Here, you’re not just limited to donating books—you can also join educational sessions for the children and their communities.

This organisation is on a superhero mission to make sure every kid out there gets a shot at a healthy, educated, and safe childhood. They’re not just talking the talk; they’re walking it with all sorts of cool programmes.

From keeping little ones healthy to helping them ace their school game and even creating emergency responses during crises, these guys are on it! 

Amid their impactful initiatives, Save the Children warmly accepts book donations. Your old books become like magic wands, opening up new worlds for kids in communities that could use a little extra love.

4. St. Vincent de Paul Society

Address: 10 Merivale St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia 

Website: https://qld.vinnies.org.au/                    

Contact Details: 1800 846 643

Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

St. Vincent de Paul Society in Brisbane is an international organisation that’s all about helping the community thrive. By donating books and spreading the love of reading, this centre could help you spread kindness in your own little way.

From basic needs like food and clothes to offering a place to stay and fighting for what’s right, the St. Vincent de Paul Society is on a mission to bring some good vibes into people’s lives.

Adding a sprinkle of magic to your generosity, the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Brisbane warmly welcomes old books too.

From heartwarming stories to educational treasures, your book donation becomes a source of joy and knowledge for someone in need, fostering a love for reading in our community. 

You may drop those books off at their head office in South Brisbane. Easy peasy!

5. Red Cross

Address: Humanity Place, 49 Park Rd, QLD 4064, Australia

Website: https://www.redcross.org.au/places/offices/brisbane/                   

Contact Details: +61 733 677 222

The Red Cross also makes a significant impact right here in Brisbane. Picture this: disaster relief, blood donation, first aid, refugee assistance, and a book donation drive—Red Cross has it all covered.

What makes them stand out? The organisation doesn’t care about your background—race, religion, nationality, or politics—it’s all about extending a helping hand to anyone who needs it.

There are 10 Red Cross shops scattered around Brisbane, and they’re more than just places to buy stuff. During trading hours, you can swing by and drop off those books gathering dust on your shelves.

It’s like hitting two birds with one stone. You clear up some space, and those old books of yours become new treasures for someone else!

6. The Salvation Army

Address: 167 Ann St, Brisbane City, QLD 4000, Australia

Website: https://qld.vinnies.org.au/                    

Contact Details: +61 7 3221 3461

Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Salvation Army Church, also known as the Salvos, is more than a church—it’s a beacon of hope and community support. They embody the spirit of giving by initiating donations of books, organising food drives, and providing shelter to the less fortunate.

They’re not just about the Sunday sermon. They’re rolling up their sleeves to provide food, shelter, rehab, and some spiritual support to folks and families facing tough times.

Got old books sitting idle? The Salvation Army Church is also here to give them a new purpose. The folks here are eager to turn your pre-loved reads into sources of inspiration and learning for others. 

No need to set an appointment with them either! Just drop off your gently used books at their Brisbane headquarters during business hours.

7. Lifeline 

Address: 144 Adelaide St, Brisbane City, QLD 4000, Australia

Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au/           

Contact Details: +61 7 3011 2500

Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Lifeline, your friendly neighbourhood lifeline (literally!), has multiple shops scattered across Brisbane. This centre is offering not just counselling and crisis intervention; they also want you to do your part through book donations.

It functions as a nationwide charitable organisation supporting Australians facing emotional distress, as well as a one-stop shop for pre-loved treasures, affordable finds, and the residents’ community hub. 

If you like attending big events but missed out on their epic Lifeline Bookfest, don’t worry! You can still swing by any of their shops during trading hours and drop off those books that have been chilling on your shelves.

8. Care Kits for Kids

Address: 147 Samuel St, Camp Hill, QLD 4152, Australia 

Website: https://carekitsforkidsqld.org.au/           

Contact Details: +61 427 826 594

Operating Hours: Monday, Thursday: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Care Kits for Kids in Brisbane is an organisation that supports young, disadvantaged kids. Here, they craft care backpacks filled with essentials, creative materials, and even donated books, enough to extend happiness to a child for at least 2 days.

Now, check this out—inside these backpacks, there’s brand new clothes, toiletries, school supplies to light up that joy of learning, and, wait for it, pre-loved books!

They’re also on a cool mission against waste! Your donated fabric and yarn become the stars of their initiative called #waronwaste.

Here, the lovely volunteers help transform these donated materials into clothes, toys, pencil cases, hair accessories, and bags that they use for their care kits. 

9. Children’s Hospital Foundation

Image Source: https://childrens.org.au/ 

Address: Level 14/199 Grey St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia

Website: https://childrens.org.au/        

Contact Details: +61 7 3606 6100

Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Situated in the heart of Brisbane is the Children’s Hospital Foundation, a place of hope and healing for sick kids. Your opportunity to spread comfort awaits as they warmly welcome book donations to create a haven of stories for brave little warriors.

From crucial medical research funding to creating moments of pure magic, they’re dedicated to turning hospital stays into stories of resilience and triumph.

Now, your love for books can be a source of comfort here since the foundation happily accepts book donations.

But there’s a small twist—for safety reasons and hospital guidelines, all these books must be brand new. Feel free to explore their wish list on their website, discover a hidden gem, and kickstart the power of giving.

You may hand over these new books directly at the Queensland Children’s Hospital. There’s a 10-minute drop-off zone at Level 2—your express lane to making a difference in a child’s day!