Grab some bags and your most comfortable shoes — it’s time for the Times Colonist Book Sale.
The event, in its 19th year, is this Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1, at the Victoria Curling Club, 1952 Quadra St., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
The books are cheap: 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, previously in the basement, has moved to an awesome new space on the top floor. No strollers upstairs, please.
There’s also good news for those with a hunger for more than books: The café in the curling club will be open.
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 Street.
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 p.m. on Monday, May 2.
As always, the money raised at the sale goes to the Times Colonist Raise A Reader fund, which issues grants to literacy-related projects on Vancouver Island.
>> Click here to download the Times Colonist book sale map (PDF)
