It’s the event any bibliophile in Chilliwack flocks to every year.
The Rotary Book Sale is celebrating its 35th anniversary, and with it comes an extra week to scoop up cheap books.
Yes, that’s two weeks of book-buying goodness.
This is the first time they’ll be running the sale for two weeks.
“Because we have large inventory of quality books in a broad range of categories, we decided to run the sale for two weeks. Moreover, we will be relying on the public of Chilliwack to buy books to make it a success,” says Patrick Ramsden, this year’s chair of the book sale.
Every year, book lovers line up well before doors open at 7 a.m. on opening day to get their hands on some of the thousands of books available.
Each fall, approximately 80,000 used books are for sale. From novels to biographies, cook books to children’s books, history books to religion, there will be a huge variety from which to choose.
Small paperbacks are priced at $2 each (or three for $5), large soft cover books are priced at $3, hard cover books are sold for $4 and children’s books are priced individually. Rare books are priced individually (generally 50 per cent of average internet prices).
The Rotary Club of Chilliwack relies on the community of Chilliwack for donations of reading materials throughout the year. A dedicated team of Rotarians, friends and community members sort those donated books all year long.
“Fellow Rotarians and high school volunteers contribute a significant amount of their time to make the book sale a success,” says Ramsden.
The book sale was started 35 years ago by Rod Cooper, the founder of Auld Phillips.
Proceeds from the Rotary Book Sale help to fund many community and international projects. Some of the projects supported either whole or in-part as a result of the funds raised include: kitchen/laundry appliances for schools and organizations, playground equipment, park and trail redevelopments, Christmas dinners, and senior peer counseling.
They’re running the book sale for two weeks in order to generate additional funds for these programs, scholarships and more.
Surplus children’s books from the sale are donated to various local literacy programs on an annual basis.
“We raised tens of thousands of dollars last year and proceeds were used for local and international projects,” says Ramsden. “Since starting the book sale 35 years ago, we’ve raised well in excess of $1 million, with a significant amount of those funds going back into our local community to fund projects such as the Rotary Trail and the bird sanctuary.”
The Rotary Book Sale runs Sunday, Oct. 13 to Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Chilliwack Mall (45610 Luckakuck Way). Hours are: Sunday, Oct. 13, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 14 (Thanksgiving), 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and then 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Monday, Oct. 21; and 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.
The sale is cash, debit or credit only. They are unable to accept cheques or electronic transfers. American cash will be accepted at par.
For more, email rotaryclubofchilliwack@gmail.com.
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