People still love the feel of a book in their hands.
Bob Fenty, public relations chairman for the Rotary Club of Nanaimo, said it still blows him away when he sees the amount of people who love to read hard-copy books at the club’s annual book sales, especially because of the growing popularity of e-readers and e-books.
The club’s annual Spring Book Sale starts Friday (May 3) and runs until May 12 at Nanaimo North Town Centre. Fenty said there are about 70,000 donated books collected so far for the sale.
He said the Rotary Club of Nanaimo couldn’t raise the money for charity without the support of community members.
“We are so happy to have the citizens of Nanaimo come purchase books from us,” he said. “We really appreciate what they do for us, which allows us to do for the community.”
Money raised from the book sale is used by the Rotary club to fund charitable projects. It supports five inner-city schools in the Nanaimo area and other organizations such as The Boys and Girls Club. The money also helps Nanaimo Rotary Club continue its international charity work. For the past five years the club has been working with a school in Sunyani, a city in Ghana. The club isn’t allowed to fund building the school, but has been giving money to purchase school supplies.
The Rotary Club recently donated $50,000 to the emergency department of Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
“It’s the largest contribution our club has ever done in its history,” said Fenty about giving the money in one donation.
The club hosts a spring and fall book sale and on average raises about $100,000 each year from the sales. The Spring Book Sale is held during regular mall hours. Pocketbooks are $2 each or three for $5, and hardcover books are $3 each or four for $10.
People can still drop off books during the sale.
“Drop off books and then come buy some more,” said Fenty.
The Rotary Club of Nanaimo was recently awarded the Partnership Award by the B.C. Principal and Vice Principals Association for its continued support of schools.
“For me it’s an incredible honour,” he said.
For more information about the Rotary Club, please go to www.clubrunner.ca.