The Star Regent 24-Hour Book Sale starts at noon next Friday.
Regent Theatre marketing manager Hannah Molloy said about ''eight basquillion'' books destined for the sale were secured at a ''secret storage location''.
Most of the funds raised from the sale would be used to buy a waterfall curtain to ''restore a key element of the glamour and majesty of the original art deco-style picture house''.
The ''usual rules of engagement'' applied for the sale this year, including most books costing $1, books being restocked throughout the event and live music being played.
A cash-only till would operate but eftpos ''cash out'' service would be available.
Shoppers should bring their own bags, she said.
Prams should remain out of the theatre at busy times, Ms Molloy said.
Anxious people should attend the sale in the early morning or late evening to avoid crowds, she said.
''It is much more peaceful.''
Sale convener Alison Cunningham said sports broadcaster Peter Sellers had bequeathed most of his collection of sports and performing arts memorabilia to the theatre and that would be on sale.
About a dozen items from the collection, including signed photos of boxer Muhammad Ali and trumpeter Louis Armstrong, would be auctioned online to allow buyers from across the world to bid.
The ''fascinating'' collection would be displayed on the mezzanine floor between noon and 8pm on Friday and on Saturday morning unless sold beforehand.
Collectable New Zealand books had a ''strong showing'' at the sale this year, especially ones about military history, 19th century books about Maori culture and New Zealand general history, Mrs Cunningham said.
Art books featured strongly in the non-fiction category this year, she said.
The children's books would all be displayed on the stage this year so people with children could avoid the basement.
The preparations for the sale were going well, Mrs Cunningham said.
''After 37 years, I think we've just about got the hang of it.''
