THE Salvation Army Book fair is back and better than ever, with booklovers and readers of all ages and genres welcome from tomorrow.

The annual bookfair raises funds for the Whakatāne Salvation Army’s community programmes. All money raised is funnelled straight back into the Whakatāne community.

Held at the Salvation Army Community Centre on Goulstone Road, the public can go book hunting from Thursday 9am-7pm, Friday 9am-6pm, and Saturday 9am-12.30pm.

Hardbacks are $4, soft covers are $3, and children’s books are $1 a piece, or can be alternatively swapped for a food can. Cash and Eftpos is available for payments.

A donated electric bike will be on silent auction throughout the three days of the fair.

Corps officer and community ministries director Lexee Dunlop said this year’s fair had “amazing” volunteer support.

“Everything raised goes directly back into our community. It allows us to do what we do throughout the year,” she said.

Volunteer head book sorters Norelle Feek and Pauline Siegfried have been sorting books since November last year.

Ms Siegefried said 700 banana boxes of books were donated.