Fall Book Sale

On Oct 14, St Philip's Fall Book Sale attracted more donated books than we've ever seen. St Philip's Scouts and Venturers set up the heavy wooden tables, a task they own and pass on to the younger Scouts. Volunteers' remarkable efforts sorted a mountain of boxes of books in under six hours spread over Thursday evening and Friday morning. We were ready.

On Saturday, we enjoyed a crowd of local bibliophiles who shopped for stacks of books at bargain prices. Children's books and most adult books went for $2, with recent popular titles in pristine shape going for $5, and special beauties at $10. Our shoppers enjoyed themselves and commented on the great array of titles, and the remarkably low prices, well organized by fiction author or non-fiction topic. Happy shoppers.

At closing time, a steadfast team of tireless volunteers packed up the extra books into stacked boxes, stowed the tables, stomped on the extra boxes, recycled them out the door into a volunteer's car, and even swept the gym, all in 90 mins. No mean feat.

Our volunteers make everything possible. In all, you covered 54 shifts at two to three hours per shift, some of you working four shifts. You each know who you are. Thank you!

We raised over $2700 recycling donated books; for a generous donation, we sold boxes of kids' books to a Rotary Club program that provides books to The Vancouver School District's Early Learning Program for needy families with children aged 0 - 5 years; we donated the boxes of remainders to Big Brothers for their financial benefit; we celebrated fellowship with our parishioners and our community, who thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Win Win Win Win!

One shopper enjoyed himself so much that he left a rave review on nextdoor.com, an online neighbourhood group:

"Hey! Thanx for the tip earlier about the book sale at St Philips church off Dunbar. It was seriously fantastic! What a wealth of books for sale. I got two signed Ian Rankin books which was a surprise. Apparently the sale will be on again next year. The volunteers were lovely as well. Thank you all!" He was so pleased with his signed Ian Rankin mysteries, that he sent that happy news to Mr Rankin, who graciously replied: "Happy to see them go to new homes / make money for good causes!" Our happy shopper ended with: "A follow up to St Philips Book sale…you guys got a thumbs up from Mr Ian Rankin himself!"

Enjoy the photos, and the applause.