The Times Colonist book sale on Saturday and Sunday was one for the books, raising almost a quarter of a million dollars for school libraries and literacy projects.
A preliminary count indicates that $245,000 was raised in the sale. About 8,200 people came through the doors at the Victoria Curling Club.
The total raised was the highest ever for the TC sale, which brought in just $20,000 in 1998, its first year.
“We’ve come a long way, thanks to the work of dedicated volunteers and the support of the public,” editor and publisher Dave Obee said Sunday.
“This year, for the first time, we stayed open into Saturday evening, which allowed a few more people to buy books.”
School librarians and non-profit groups will have their pick of the remaining books for free, from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Monday, May 8.
After that, what’s left will be shipped to a book wholesaler in the United States.
The sale is run by the Times Colonist Literacy Society. Support from the Times Colonist ensures that the society is able to keep its operating costs as low as possible.
Money raised is donated to school libraries and literacy organizations throughout Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
