For the love of literacy

Schedule set for annual literacy book drive and sale

Everyone loves getting a new book, but what about getting three or four or five for the price of one?

Sandy Rundle and Anne MacDonald know the excitement of getting new reading material. They are two of the organizers of the ninth annual Journal Pioneer/Summerside Rotary Book Drive for Literacy, set for Sept. 28-30.

“Literacy is incredibly important to me. It makes or breaks your life. It can determine what jobs you get,” said MacDonald, the book sale volunteer co-ordinator.

Rundle, representing the Club of Summerside, agreed.

“People all around Prince County look forward to the sale. It makes us Rotary

happy that people are enjoying literature,” he added.

This year’s event will be held at Hangar 5 at 50 Aerospace Blvd. in Slemon Park.

“It’s just a few hangars down from last year’s location,” said Rundle.

Last year, the drive raised just over $10,000. This year the goal is $11,500.

“The true booklovers are there the weekend of the drive donating piles of books, and then they’re back the next weekend buying at the sale,” said Rundle.

MacDonald added, “It answers a need on both ends. We’ve got those who want to empty their bookshelves and closets but it clears the way for people to gather new materials and support the community.”

MacDonald says she gets a kick out of people’s reactions when they come in and see the books.

“I love the excitement when people come in. Last year I came in an hour early before the sale and there were already people inside rubbing their hands together with a big smile.”

Hardcover books will cost $3, soft cover $2 and all children’s books will be $1.

“Bring your books to the drive and come back to buy just as many. We love seeing the books come in and then go right back out.”