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It was worth paying extra 'to get first dibs' at library book sale

Friends of the BWG Public Library Spring Book Sale continues this weekend

A record number of book-lovers were willing to pay an extra $10 per family to get first pick of the thousands of titles for sale at the Friends of the BWG Public Library’s Spring Book Sale.

They lined up on Friday night to be first through the doors.

“You get first dibs – that would be reason enough,” said one buyer, as he searched the tables for "finds."

Buyers came from across the region to hunt through the paperback and hardcover books, fiction and non-fiction, self-help books, cookbooks, coffee table books, large print, young-adult and children’s books, CDs, DVDs, and for the first time, jigsaw puzzles.

“It’s a bargain,” said one grandmother, searching through the bins for books for early readers. “Children’s books are four for $1.”

Steve Pereira came prepared. He brought a list of titles on his smartphone that he checked constantly. It was one way to make sure he didn’t pick up titles he already had, “like the other 17 books I’ve doubled up on over the past five years,” he said.

Shoppers filled boxes and bags with their finds, then lined up to pay – with all of the money going to support library programs.

There were still thousands of books left behind when they were done.

The Friends of the Library Book Sale continues this weekend, with free admission from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 26.

Catherine Rees was among the first-night shoppers.

“You get a better choice. You’ve got the best selection,” she said, “and I like to support the library.”

Rees also regularly donates books to the Friends of the Library for the sales, which take place three times per year. The only danger she said she finds is that “you might pick up something you’ve donated!"

The library is located at 425 Holland St. W., in Bradford West Gwillimbury.


Miriam King

About the Author: Miriam King

Miriam King is a journalist and photographer with Bradford Today, covering news and events in Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil.
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