A bibliophile's bonanza

From its humble beginnings as a garage sale of used books thirteen years ago, the Orchestras Mississauga Annual Used Book Sale has grown to become a major year round enterprise, last year raising over $60,000 for the volunteer orchestra.

 This Thursday, September 18 at 6 p.m., the tarps will be removed from 176 tables spread within Sheridan Centre to reveal a 55,000 books carefully sorted into 48 categories, 4,500 records, 3000 CDs, 2000 audio tapes, 1000 VHS tapes, and almost 500 DVDs in addition to hundreds of games, puzzles, sheet music and comics.

 Thousands from all over Ontario flock to the sale annually, with rare book dealers and serious collectors lining up for hours to be the first to search through the piled treasures. The record number of donations overwhelm the available display space, thus the tables are restocked constantly throughout the four day event which prompts many customers to keep coming back. 

Evelyn Dodds, who has led the team of volunteers since 2005, said that there are people who plan their vacations around the annual sale dates and hundreds who come with their own buggies and boxes to cart away their purchases. With most of the books selling for only one or two dollars, it is no wonder they are considered such a bargain.

 Over thirty volunteers, who are mostly retired professionals, work two days a week, 51 weeks a year, sorting, cleaning, pricing and storing the constant flow of donations. An additional 150 people man the sale itself which lasts four days and ends with a half price clearance special on Sunday, September 21 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

 Sheridan Centre is located at Erin Mills Parkway and the QEW.