Committee spokeswoman Genni Smith said about 50 people were waiting for the doors of the college’s Ian O. Maroske Hall to open at noon.

“There was a guy that tried to get in really early, who said he had $50 and wanted to buy 50 books,” she said.

She said he returned the following day and told her he had spent more than $80.

Books were priced at $1, except for children’s books and magazines, which were 50 cents each.

“A family from Nhill came down and spent more than $150 buying books,” Mrs Smith said.

“I was just amazed.”

The event raised more than $4500 for the work of college chaplain Susie Penny.

Her main goal is to support students’ personal growth.

Mrs Smith thanked all the people who had supported the event, including its committed organising committee and student volunteers.

“It’s so nice, because you have all these people from the community helping out,” she said.

Planning is already underway for the next book fair in November.