One of my favourite things to do is read. I love reading! Whether its comic books, novels, or hilarious blog posts written by a spunky Calgarian, reading gives each of us the ability to visit other worlds, imagine the lives of people in other places, and experience adventures we had never dreamed possible. The love I have for reading is shared with the volunteer organization, Calgary Reads. Their vision: “A thriving community where all children can read with confidence and joy.” Isn’t that the most amazing vision?

Every year for 13 years, Calgary Reads has run a major fundraising event: a book sale! Not just any book sale though, this is the Calgary Reads BIG Book Sale. Thousands and thousands and thousands of books are sorted by volunteers into categories – fiction, non-fiction, childrens and then into specific genres like gardening, cooking, history, mystery/crime, historical fiction. The sale is entirely volunteer run and supports Calgary Reads’ children’s reading programs. This book sale is HUGE. The entire Calgary Curling Club space is packed with books

Last year the book sale welcomed about 6400 people through the doors, all who walked out with great deals on books.  They come to browse for hours picking up little known titles, they come with lists for English Literature classes and book clubs, they hunt the boxes below the tables to find the one book in sci-fi series that they don’t already own. They even come to find some beautiful books to adorn a table for a wedding or a special shelf above the fireplace. They come for one book and leave with armfuls.

The book sale begins in the morning of Friday, May 13. On Saturday evening 6pm-9pm, the book sale hosts Jazz and Book Night! Book lovers can shop to the musical sounds of Midnight Blue Jazz Society and enjoy a glass of wine from the cash bar. On Sunday the Children’s Story Tent is set up with crafts and storytelling by Girl Guides.

Bring your parents, bring your children, bring your lover(s) and your friends. Come create positive change in the community and support Calgary Reads’ vision to work towards a “thriving community where all children can read with confidence and joy”.

The book sale is on May 13th 9am-9pm, May 14th 9am-9pm, and May 15th 9am-12pm. It takes place at the Calgary Curling Club- 720 3rd St. NW. Thanks for the great reads, Calgary!