19th annual Calgary Big Book Sale offers 150,000 books
Posted May 12, 2023 5:07 pm.
Book fairs of old see a return Friday at the Calgary Curling Club with the Calgary Reads Big Book Sale.
The event organized by the Rotary Club of Calgary runs until May 22 and offers 150,000 books of various genres are available.
Those that wish to attend can book an appointment Friday and May 13 and pay $5, with no appointment between May 14-18 for $3, and through special sale days from May 19-22.
The special days include a BOGO, a fill-a-box for $20, and a free day.
Welcome to Day 1 of the #calgaryreadsbigbooksale!! pic.twitter.com/DtMusfgb0s
— Calgary Reads Big Book Sale (@CalgaryReads) May 12, 2023
In 2022, the event saw around 14,000 people shop and raise almost $470,000 to “help children become stronger readers.” The number of books sold was close to 150,000.
Books run around $2 for children’s books and $4 for “most” adult books.
“For bookworms who just love ‘real’ books, it’s the best treasure hunt of all,” said Steacy Pinney, chair of the Rotary Club of Calgary committee, in a statement.
Pinney, who is stewarding the Calgary Reads Big Book Sale, adds, “We have people who come a handful of times and stay for hours. Why not?”
There are many different genres, including “banned books,” which feature books that have been banned in the past or at this time, and books made into TV or movies.
Yes, we do have every genre imaginable! A few new sections too! #bannedbooks #booksbooksbooks pic.twitter.com/9uPl6mFWWJ
— Calgary Reads Big Book Sale (@CalgaryReads) May 12, 2023
The books available will be refreshed every day over the 10 days.
In addition, there are audiobooks, DVDs, and a collectibles section.
The event called on 1,200 volunteers to make this happen, making the call on April 28. They consist of members from the Rotary Club of Calgary.
“Every one of them is just happy to be here,” says Shirley McIntyre, Big Book Sale committee co-chair. “Year after year, our volunteers come back and bring incredible enthusiasm. We really are fortunate to have such an amazing volunteer team.”
More information can be found online.
