All good things must come to an end. After 65 years and hundreds of thousands of books, the Canadian Federation of University Women, Renfrew and District, will host its final Giant Book Sale on April 24 and 25.
For generations of readers, the sale has been a much-loved annual tradition. The first, held in 1961, was a modest undertaking. About 2000 gently used books were collected and sold, raising $269. The aim was twofold — to fund scholarships for local area high school students and to provide residents with an inexpensive source of reading materials.
Over the years the sale has grown in both popularity and scope, raising close to $200,000 for local scholarships and becoming a highlight of the community calendar. Unfortunately, with a small and aging membership, the club is unable to continue running the event. Organizers hope the community will come out to celebrate its remarkable legacy and make the final sale a truly memorable one.
The sale runs from 4–9pm on Friday, April 24, and from 9am to 2pm on Saturday, April 25, at MacNeil Gym, R.C.I., located at 184 Bonnechere St. South in Renfrew.
There will be thousands of books in dozens of categories, including fiction and non-fiction, mystery, memoir and biography, home improvement, cookbooks, hobbies and crafts, sports, travel and geography, history, literature and drama, science, philosophy, religion and spirituality, health and wellbeing, and children and teen titles. A special section will feature Canadiana, including fiction, non-fiction, and works by local authors. There will also be a bake table. Please note that it is cash only.
Book prices have remained very low over the years, with most titles ranging from 50 cents to $3. Only recent releases or special items are priced higher. It’s a wonderful opportunity for book lovers to browse for treasures — or for resellers to find great bargains — and to be part of a long-standing community tradition one last time.
For more information, please contact Book Committee Chair Jane Donnelly at cjane.donnelly@gmail.com.