While they were in abundance at The Star Regent Theatre 24 Hour Book Sale yesterday, smiles were scarce among the crowded trestles.
The mission was squarely on finding bargains, so friendly conversation among the shoppers was scant.
There was no "excuse me, would you please pass me that book" and certainly no-one wanted to be known to the Otago Daily Times.
The theatre was full of like-minded but mysterious book lovers, who declined to be identified in ODT photographs.
But among the searchers were two shining lights - University of Otago students Kate Beecroft (21) and Julia Chrisp (21) - who did their best to lighten the atmosphere at the 29th annual sale.
"Book buying is a very serious business. No-one seems to be smiling here," Miss Chrisp noted.
Buying second-hand books was a favourite pastime and the pair often spent their weekends searching through second-hand book shops.
The pair were on the hunt for English literature - purely for recreational reading, not for study.
And although they were delighted with the 30 books they had bought by 12.30pm yesterday, both were keen to find more, just so they could spread a bit of cheer about the theatre, Miss Beecroft said.
"We're thinking about coming back after midnight when we've had a few drinks. It will be even more fun. We'll bring a party with us."
Sale convener Doug Lovell said about 200,000 books were up for sale this year and it was hoped $90,000 to $100,000 would be raised.
The funds would be used for the second stage of the Regent Theatre backstage development of the dressing rooms and fly tower, he said.
