Rotary Field House

I will admit: this is the one Unilocal review that i’ve kept putting off… the one that time and time again, i’ve made excuses for… because this dear folks, this is my greatest secret.
I currently possess a library of 700+ books.
It’s safe to say, i’m a full fledged bibliophile. And i’m damn proud of my collection. I’ve got the Booker prize winners since my year of birth (personally mission to read), almost all the Nobel Literature laureates in the same time frame, CBC Reads authors, Giller Prize winners and even a few of Oprah’s picks. I’ve got a couple shelves of poetry; a good collection of coffee table books and a cupboard of doubles — perfect for any house warming/​dinner party/​birthday gift.
My library largely came together in the last three years and in its entirety, should have cost me thousands to assemble.
Except it didn’t. And after getting scolded by my mother for keeping quiet about a good cause, i’ll explain why:
The White Rock Rotary Book Sale.
Hold on now. Don’t roll your eyes. I know what you’re thinking but this isn’t an ordinary book sale full of old text books, cookbooks and bad romance novels (though, if that’s your cup of tea, they have those too). No no, this is a magical land where you can find the greatest of authors in almost pristine condition.
I’ve found Jose Saramago’s Blindness in mint condition hard cover.
About 8 perfect copies of The English Patient (the non-​movie cover); not to mention every other title from Mr. Ondaatje.
An old school version of 100 Years of Solitude before they started with the hokey covers… the list goes on and on and on.
The first time my mother and I went, we left with two boxes each. Over 250 books. Because here’s the best part:
Not only is this for a great cause. And has a great selection. But it’s $ 3 a book or 3 for $ 5. GGAAAHHHHHH!!!
We’re so notorious at this sale, that not only do they know both of us by name, but the exceptionally helpful club members occasionally set aside authors they know I like and pass on «HA HA beat you to it!» messages when my mother gets there before me.
In fact, they not only help you look for whatever title you happen to be seeking but if they DON’T have it, they will take your information and call you after the sale if they come across it while sorting through the new used books. Why? Because these are the NICEST PEOPLE IN EXISTENCE.
My mother and I are so obsessed with this book sale of mythical proportions that we arrange work and travel dates around it. It’s serious business.
So i’m telling you… still slightly begrudgingly… but i’m telling you because these are fabulous people, hosting a fabulous GEM of a booksale for a fabulous cause. And you should support them.
I’m going to get there before you anyway.
PS. For those with little ones (or the aunties & uncles with little ones to spoil): they have a decent collection of children’s books available «by donation.»
Check their website for upcoming dates & stories on other good stuff.