As a wellspring of patriotism has readers seeking out books by Canadian writers, Calgary Reads BigBook Sale has three words: Come on down! (Also: Got books?) The beloved 21^st sale kicks off with 10 days of book donations April 25-May 4 followed by 10 days to shop gently used and superbly organized books May 9-19 at the Calgary Curling Club.

Shirley McIntyre, longstanding lead of the fiction section, says the sale hosts an entire aisle dedicated to hundreds (perhaps thousands) of new and past Canadian fiction titles, both novels and short stories, all organized alphabetically for breezy hunting.  

“We always have a lot of the new Canadian novels that are popular because they were featured in Canada Reads or the Giller Prize, but we also have so many of those classics that maybe you always meant to read and just never got around to it,” says McIntyre, citing classic Canadian authors such as Carol Shields, Robertson Davies, Stuart McLean and Margaret Atwood (The Handmaid’s Tale is currently back at the top of bestseller lists). Books by popular Canadian mystery writers such as Louise Penney and Lynnwood Barclay are also highlighted at the sale. 

Those looking to explore Canada in other ways can also delight in scores of books about Canadian history, politics, cooking and travel. Books about Calgary and by Calgary authors fill a table, and books by the country’s Indigenous authors are also popular.

“You don’t have to look to other countries for great writing. We have so many books that tell our story—and many can be hard to find otherwise if they’re vintage.”

Of course, having a total of more than 200,000+ books to browse starts with the generosity of those donating pre-loved books so proceed scan help Calgary children become thriving readers.

“If we all fill up a box or two with books we’ve read—what a difference we can make in ensuring more children can read by Grade 3 and experience the joy of having their very own books,” says Steacy Pinney, chair, Rotary Club ofCalgary Early Childhood Literacy Committee, which stewards the sale and distributes proceeds. “The more quality books we have, the more children we can support so they can reach their potential in school and in life—and getting that extra reading help is more important than ever.”

Last year, the sale saw more than 14,000 book-lovers come through the door—raising $570,000 to support several early literacy initiatives, including Book Bank, which got 34,000 books to children furthest from opportunity in 2024, as well as those run by YW Calgary, Families Matter, CanLearn and the Learning Disabilities Association.

Book donation events begin Friday, April 25 at CalgaryCurling Club, 720 3 Street NE

All you have to do is pull up, pop your trunk, and let volunteers unload your books. Accepted books are accepted 9am-5pm on April 25, and from April 26-May 4, 9am-8pm weekdays and 9am-5pm weekends. Four community Stuff-a-Truck events are also being held.

How to donate books to Calgary Reads Big Book Sale:

·     April 25-May 4 at Calgary Curling Club (720 3Street NE) view hours

·     Sat. April 26 12- 3 at Jayman BUILT (3132-118thAve SE)

·     Sat. April 26 10-1 at Melcor YMCA (8100 JohnLaurie Blvd NW, upper lot)

·     Sun. April 27 10-1 at Rundle College (7375 -17th Ave SW)

·     Sun. April 27 11:30-2:30 pm at Seton YMCA (4995Market Street SE, lower SE lot)

Jayman BUILT, Stuff-a-Truck host and sale sponsor, encourages Calgarians to get involved in both giving books and treasure-hunting for books at this year’s sale.

“With 27%of children beginning school facing literacy and developmental challenges, we recognize the vital role reading plays in a child’s ability to learn and thrive,”says Jay Westman, Chairman and CEO of Jayman BUILT. “We believe in the power of families reading together and are proud to support innovative initiatives that bring books—and a lifelong love of reading—into the homes of Calgarians.” 

Once you’ve made space on your bookshelf, it’s time to get ready for the biggest Calgary book sale around! New in 2025 is a third day ofshopping by appointment to ensure parking access, safety and a positive experience amidst Memorial Drive construction.

How to buy books at Calgary Reads Big Book Sale:

·     May 9, 10 & 11, by appointment  ($3-$5 event fee at checkout)

·     May 12-15, no appointment, ($3 event fee at checkout)

·     May 16-19, BOGO, Fill-a-box for $20 and Free day($0-$3 event fee at checkout)

Most children’s books are $2 and most adult books are $4. Formore details, visit www.bigbooksale.ca

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