Chapter 2: It takes all sorters
OK, now that your book shelves are empty, time to refill ’em.
Thousands of readers donated hundreds of thousands of books to the Times Colonist Book Drive on the weekend, meaning the Victoria Curling Club will be packed with possibilities at the book sale itself on May 6-7.
Monday morning, about 100 volunteers were already hard at work sorting books. Thanks to them (and to you, should you wish to help), order will be created from chaos in time for the 20th annual Times Colonist Book Sale, a two-day event that raises money for literacy projects on Vancouver Island.
More volunteers are welcome to help sort the books. Just show up at the curling club at 1952 Quadra St. after 9 a.m. on a weekday and sign in.
While the Times Colonist name is on the sale, its success is due to the volunteers, the people who donate books, the people who buy books, the sponsors who provide supplies to ensure the sale works, and everyone else who takes part.
That includes everyone who showed up in record numbers on , flooding the curling rink with books. In fact, the overwhelming turnout caused some traffic problems in the immediate area.
“We appreciate the patience of everyone in making things work,” said Dave Obee, the Times Colonist’s editor-in-chief. “This is all about raising funds for literacy projects and education, and the support of the community is very much appreciated.”
The sale itself will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, and Sunday, May 7, at the curling club.
Prices are unchanged from previous years: hardcovers $3; softcovers $2; pocket books and children’s books $1. Payment is by cash, debit, MasterCard, Visa or American Express, but no cheques. As was the case last year, the children’s book section is on the top floor. No strollers upstairs, please.
Bring a little bit of money and a little bit of patience. The sale usually starts off with a lineup around the block.
Wear comfy shoes, as you’ll be on a concrete floor. Some people like to bring their own carrier bags, while others prefer to pick up a cardboard box (or two, or three …) at the curling club.
Pay parking is available in the lot that serves the curling club and Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre. There is also free parking along Quadra, but be aware that parking on some of the nearby side streets is for residents only. You can also take the No. 6 bus, which goes along Quadra.
Once the sale is over, representatives of schools and non-profit groups may help themselves to the remaining books, for free, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, May 8. No invitation required; just sign in at the curling club.
Since the first sale in 1998, the people who donate, volunteer and shop at the book sale have raised $4.7 million — including $1.8 million in matching funds from the provincial government through Decoda Literacy Solutions.
The money has been distributed to schools and non-profits doing literacy work on Vancouver Island.
This year, $272,000 was given to more than 160 literacy organizations and schools. —