On one weekend in February, enough puzzles will be sold to help fund the Summer Reading Club, story times, and more for Chilliwack's three libraries.
But first, those puzzles need to be donated.
Every year, thousands of puzzles change hands in support of literacy, through the Friends of the Chilliwack Libraries Society. Puzzle lovers drop off their gently used puzzles, society volunteers sort through them and tag them for sale, and the money raised is used to support numerous programs and fill library wish lists.
Last year, the puzzle sale raised more than $5,000.
And this is the time to donate.
Claire Bouchard of the society says by this time in January, they've usually started to see donations come in. But so far, none have. Perhaps it's the snow, she noted, but it could also be that people don't realize the puzzle sale has moved.
While it's always been a downtown Chilliwack library event, this year they're giving it a try at the Sardis branch. They are accepting donations of gently used or new puzzles for the entire month.
They will be sold at very reasonable prices, and for every puzzle someone donates, they'll receive a half price coupon to buy another. Children's puzzles begin at $1, while most puzzles are $3. Some "quality" puzzles will be marked at $5.
It's a big event for the Friends of the Libraries, and one that helps them keep the libraries well-supplied. In the past they've purchased board books for babies, sets of children's books, furniture and shelving, magazines, and even reading carpets.
In addition to the puzzle sale, they hold a book sale and a very popular quiz night.
To donate, drop off your puzzles at the Sardis library during business hours this month.
To purchase puzzles, be at the Sardis library on Feb. 3 and 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sales are by cash or cheque only.