buy books
May 9-18, 2025
Calgary Curling Club
720 3rd Street NW
More than 200,000 gently used and wonderfully organized books await you at the Calgary Reads Big Book Sale. This is a reader’s paradise and now you can shop the sale three ways: on the first 3 days by appointment (ALL 3 DAYS SOLD OUT) later on quiet weekdays or on our incredible special days. See our hours below!
shop the Big Book Sale!
With plenty of room for books, volunteers and guests – and with tables refreshed daily – our 9-day sale brings you a leisurely, comfortable shopping experience. Yes, we accept cash, debit and credit cards. Most adult books are $4 and most children's books are $2.
Yes, you can come as many times as you like. Let the hunt begin!
where is the Big Book Sale?
Find the Calgary Reads Big Book Sale at the Calgary Curling Club, 720 3rd Street NW.
Driving?
The Calgary Curling Club is located on a cul-de-sac, with no through traffic. This year, Memorial Drive has been reduced from four to two lanes of traffic and public parking near the CCC has been limited to half. So, to ensure parking access, safety and good neighbour relations, here are a few suggestions to avoid 3 Street NW and enjoy smoother travels:
*Allow an extra 15 minutes to get to your appointment on May 9-11.
*Park in nearby Sunnyside or Crescent Heights. It’s free 2-hour parking where signed & just a 10-minute walk away. From Crescent Heights, a paved pathway leads from McHughBluff directly to CCC.
*Park in lots southwest of Eau ClaireMarket. It’s 3-hour on-street parking, and lot parking for $5 flat rate weekends/$9 per hour weekdays & just a 15-minute walk through the beautiful Prince’s Island Park.
-Prince's Island Public Parking - 520 2nd Avenue SW
-Eau de Claire West Public Parking - 660 2nd Avenue SW
*Get someone to drop you off—not on 3 Street NW—but just a block away on 4th or 4A Street, just a 5-minute walk away.
Bring a wheeled suitcase/ wagon / shopping trolley to help you return to your car with your treasures!
Taking transit?
The closest C-Train stop is the Sunnyside Station 1km west of the Curling Club. Bus 104 from the Sunnyside Station will take you to 5 St. NW, 3 blocks west of the Calgary Curling Club.
Biking?
There are bike racks at the Curling Club and at the foot of the stairs leading to McHugh Bluff.
Friday, May 9 &
Saturday, May 10
SOLD OUT
9am–8pm
By appointment
See details when booking
$5 event fee per adult added to purchase on exit
Sunday, May 11
SOLD OUT
9am–5pm
By appointment
$3 event fee per adult added to purchase on exit
(New this year to help ensure parking access and a safe, positive experience amidst Memorial Drive construction.)
Monday, May 12 to Thursday, May 15
12pm–8pm
No appointment needed
$3 event fee per adult added to purchase on exit
BOGO Friday,
May 16
Buy one, get one on almost all items
12pm – 8pm
No appointment needed
$3 event fee per adult added to purchase on exit
BOGO Saturday,
May 17
Buy one, get one on almost all items
9am–5pm
No appointment needed
$3 event fee per adult added to purchase on exit
Fill-a-box for
$20 day
Sunday, May 18
9am–5pm
No appointment needed
$3 event fee per adult added to purchase on exit
(Banker's size box - bring yours or use one of ours)
CANCELLED
Free Book Day:
Monday, May 19
Thank you for your understanding as we prioritize the safety of everyone amidst Memorial Drive construction. We have a buyer for all unsold books so they'll go to a good home!
families that read, thrive
Every time you open a book and read with your child, you build brains and bonds. Reading aloud is a calming activity that brings the chance to grow vocabulary, empathy, problem-solving and more. Children learn to read – and then they read to learn. That’s why we say books open the door to a lifetime of opportunity.
Visit Little Red Reading House for free resources to help nurture your child’s lifelong love of reading.
buy books faq’s
Thank you for taking a moment to read these FAQ’s before reaching out.
Most children's books are $2 and most adult books are $4. Collectibles will see a range according to value.
The event fee is charged along with your payment for books upon exiting the sale. The event fee is $5 on May 9 and 10; $3 on all other sale days.
We accept cash, debit and credit cards.
To help control numbers on our three busiest days, appointments are required on May 9, 10 & 11. Book your spot! SOLD OUT, ALL THREE DAYS, but you can keep checking in case someone cancels and a spot opens up.
Stay as long as you like – both on days with appointments and other sale days. We always love seeing kids at the sale! On ticketed days, children are welcome to enter the sale with a parent who has a ticket (children do not need a separate ticket). We have a no-pet policy at the curling club during the sale so we ask that you please leave dogs at home
SEE OUR PARKING NOTE ABOVE! There’s some free parking at the Curling Club, and if it’s a busy day, Lot 59 is just east of the Club off Memorial Drive with a connecting walkway. Please note Memorial Drive construction will affect traffic flow and has reduced parking stalls availalbe in Lot 59.
Boxes must be banker's size or smaller. You can bring your own box or you can use one of ours!
