RESET Society of Calgary holds book sale at Crossroads Market

The RESET annual book drive has taken over the Crossroads Market. Here are some key numbers about the sale, which runs until Sunday. 16: The number of years the book sale has been taking place. Amanda Coates with RESET (Rapid Exit from Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking ) Society of Calgary said the event is the major fundraiser for the organization.

“We put those funds toward providing housing, life-skills training, employment training and educational scholarships for the women who are escaping exploitation,” Coates said.

5: The number of days the book sale, which began Wednesday, runs this year. Sale times are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The event normally runs over two weekends.

More than 500,000: The number of books donated to the event. A book drive was held during the last two weeks of April. Organizers say it’s the largest sale of its kind in Western Canada.

400: The number of people lined up when doors opened on the first day Wednesday.

“We had people who maybe bought one book and we had people who might have bought 100 books for their collection,” said Coates.

A total of 4,000 are expected to visit. $3: The price for a softcover book. Hard-covers go for $4, or three for $10. All children’s books are either 50 cents or $1. The event also includes a special-books section that has rare and collectible items and books that have been signed by the authors.

“They ’re all original, so you need to come down and check those out,” said Coates. “They’re all individually priced as well.”

80: The number of people who volunteer to sort and sell books during the book drive and sale.

“A lot of those people have been with us for all 16 years, so they’re amazing,” said Coates.