The Book Barge
In partnership with The Old Woolstore and Variety Tasmania, AWBF was proud to introduce The Book Barge at the 2025 festival. This new addition to The Old Woolstore Little Sailors Village was a great success, with many small children and families enjoying tranquil time in the Book Barge marquee exploring sea-themed stories.
We’re excited to keep building on this initiative, which supports both Variety Tasmania – the Children’s Charity and the City of Hobart’s UNESCO designation as a City of Literature.
Help us grow the Book Barge library for 2027 by donating a new or gently used sea-themed children’s book today. The next festival will be held 5–8 February 2027.
Donate during Monster May
This year, donations for The Book Barge can be made through Variety Tasmania’s Monster May book drive.
Quality, pre-loved children’s books, puzzles and DVDs can be donated at Shiploads stores statewide throughout May. Donations will be collected by Variety volunteers, with sea-themed children’s books helping to grow The Book Barge library for AWBF 2027.
Find out more or donate online:
Variety Monster Book Fair
COLLECTION POINTS AFTER MAY 2026:
AWBF Office
Space 229, Salamanca Arts Centre, 77 Salamanca Place Hobart TAS, 7000
Monday-Thursday 10am-3pm
Please let us know you're coming!
Email office@awbf.org.au or phone 03 6223 3375
The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel
Reception Desk, 1 Macquarie St, Hobart TAS 7000
Phone 03 6235 5355
Variety Tasmania - The Children's Charity
Unit 3/30 Bayfield St, Rosny Park TAS 7018
Tuesday-Thursday 10am-3pm
Please let us know you're coming!
Email info@varietytas.org.au or phone 03 6248 4888
Variety Tasmania delivers many programs that enhance the well-being of children and community at a school level including;
- Variety School Breakfast Club ensuring every child has access to a nutritious breakfast every school day.
- Variety Creative Arts Program provides important creative art therapy for children with trauma in a school setting.
- Variety Kids Sports Days provides a free, fun and inclusive day for kids of all abilities to try different sports.
- Variety Tasmania makes sure the kids who miss out can always join in.
