Pro Tips for Calgary Reads Big Book Sale

With so many treasures awaiting, we want to help you make the most of your time at the sale and have the best experience possible, so here are our top pro tips:

1. What to bring

Wagon, shopping trolley or wheeled suitcase is highly recommended! If you forget your bag or wheels, we do have boxes available.

Cash, debit or credit card. You'll go to the tally line first to get your total, then on to the payment line. Most adult books are $4 and most children's books are $2, and a $3-$5 event fee per adult is charged on exiting the sale. If you like, you can also 'Round up for reading' and make a donation to support local early childhood reading initiatives.

2. What to know

We have a handy aisle map you can see as soon as you walk in so you can strategize your visit!

The first floor lobby behind the glass is home to many more books, including: History, Art, Photography, Languages, Cultural/social, politics, Indigenous Works and Collectibles/Rare Books -- so just make your way there via the ramp on the right as you enter the sale

We have book parking, aka the 'book corral' along the north wall near the exit so you can set aside your pile and make room in your wagon for round two

Bathrooms are also located on the first floor lobby, so spot the glass window and the ramp, and you're nearly there!

3. What to remember

If you've booked a spot to shop on Friday May 9, Saturday May 10 or Sunday May 11, you'll need your Eventbrite booking QR code to enter the sale. The time of your appointment indicates the 1.5 hours during which you can enter the sale, and then stay as long as you like!

If you get sick or something comes up, please cancel your booking so someone else can use this spot.

Every book you buy helps to ensure agencies can bring reading help and books to the Calgary children who need it most, so soak up the joy of stocking up for summer reading--and being a difference-maker!

4. Where to park

To ensure parking access, safety and good neighbour relations amidst construction on Memorial Drive and reduced availability in Lot 59—here are a few suggestions to avoid 3 Street NW and enjoy easier travels:

Allow an extra 15 minutes to get to your shopping appointment, as traffic is slow at times.

Park in the nearby Sunnyside or Crescent Heights. It’s free 2-hour parking where signed & just a 10-minute walk away.  From Crescent Heights, there is a paved pathway from the top of McHugh Bluff directly to the Calgary Curling Club.

Park in lots southwest of Eau Claire Market. It’s 3-hour on-street parking, and lot parking for $5 flat rate weekends/$9 per hour weekdays & just a 15-minute walk through the beautiful Prince’s Island Park.

  • Prince's Island Public Parking - 520 2nd Avenue SW
  • Eau de Claire West Public Parking - 660 2nd Avenue SW

Get someone to drop you off—not on 3 Street NW—but just a block away on 4th or 4A Street, a 5-minute walk away.

Carpool, bike or take public transit to the Sunnyside LRT station.𐃏𐃏 Bring a wheeled suitcase/wagon/shopping trolley to help you return to your car with your treasures!

We thank you for your cooperation!  It may take a little patience, planning and a few more minutes to join us, but we promise it will be worth it!

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volunteer

Help us collect, sort and sell books – or bring your energy to the clean-up party.

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give books

Give your gently used books to a good cause. Find out where and how.

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buy books

Create your best to-be-read pile yet! Book a spot on Day 1 and 2—or enjoy a smaller crowd and great sales on other days.

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