On Friday, 100,000 books were carefully arranged in a warehouse in Guelph.
Within a few days, they’ll all be gone.
It’s all part of the annual Giant Book Sale hosted by Friends of the Guelph Public Library, which is celebrating its 10th edition this year.
All money raised at the sale is put toward the construction of a new downtown library. Last year’s event brought in 100,000, and early indications have 2016 coming in at about the same number.
“Everybody’s so supportive,” said organizer Virginia Gillham.
All books have been donated by members of the public, and most are being sold for $3 or less.
Some are even being given away for free. Every child who walks into the sale walks out with a free book.
Robert Hulley drove in from Brampton to check out the sale on Saturday, as he does every year.
He says he can’t believe his local library doesn’t hold a similar sale.
“When you look around and see the number of people (here) … you think that they would catch onto this and do the same thing,” he said.
On one trip to Guelph, Hulley says, he discovered a book signed by Margaret Atwood that was being sold for 50 cents.
The book sale continues Sunday, at 69 Huron Street from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
All books priced at $2 or $3 will be marked down to $1 for Sunday.
Anything still unsold at 4 p.m. will be made available to local charities for free.
“Anything that’s a good book will be used as a good book,” said Gillham.
With reporting by Tyler Calver
