Turn your book sale into a story of impact

Support literacy and Calgary Public Library, one book at a time

“Every single book I read changes me in some way. Go libraries!”
—Library patron

You can host a used book sale in support of The Fifth Book Campaign! It’s a fun and meaningful way to share your love of reading while giving back to the community. Let’s turn pages into possibilities! Read on to find out how easy it is to get started, and download our Used Book Sale Toolkit here.

How to host a book sale fundraiser

  1. Connect with us
    Contact Danielle Brbot, Events & Strategic Initiatives Lead, at danielle@libraryfoundation.ca.
  2. Gather your books
    Collect gently used books from friends, family, and your community. The more variety, the better.
  3. Choose a date and location
    Pick a day this summer and find a spot—your front yard, community centre, or at a community event. You can even join up with your neighbours and host a book sale block party!
  4. Promote your sale
    Use the social media assets we provide to spread the word online. We can also create a customized donation page for you to share as another way to give. 
  5. Host and make an impact
    Set up your sale and bring your community together. 
  6. Submit the proceeds of your fundraiser and celebrate your success!
    Contact the Library Foundation to submit the proceeds of your fundraiser within 15 days of your event.

Frequently-asked questions

All proceeds raised will go towards The Fifth Book Campaign. The Fifth Book is a fundraising campaign in support of enhancing and expanding Calgary Public Library’s collections. Every $20 raised can purchase a new book for the Library. In just the first month of the campaign, donors contributed enough funds to enable the Library to add 1,000 paperbacks and hardcovers and 1,000 ebooks to the system!

The Library does not accept book donations for three key reasons:

  • Collection needs: The Library purchases books strategically and in large quantities based on trends in the publishing landscape and in response to user behaviour. This method facilitates the development of a collection that is relevant and current.
  • Processing: The Library purchases books that are already prepped for the shelf: catalogued, barcoded, and ready to be checked out.
  • Condition: The majority of books offered to the Library are used, which are great for passing along to friends and neighbours, but are often unsuitable for circulation due to age or wear and tear.

The Library Foundation can create a customized donation page tailored to your used book sale. We’ll also provide social media graphics to help you promote your fundraiser, along with electronic “tap to donate” devices to make giving quick and easy at your event. The Library Foundation is unable to provide reimbursement for any expenses incurred while hosting your fundraiser.

If applicable, the Library Foundation will list your fundraiser on its calendar of upcoming events and on social media, as scheduling permits.

  • You must receive permission from the Library Foundation prior to using its name and/or brand for any promotional activities.
    • We are unable to provide permission or usage approval for Calgary Public Library’s name and logo.
  • You may not raise money on commission.
  • Your fundraising event cannot involve the promotion or support of a political party or candidate, or those which appear to provide political endorsement.

If your fundraiser raises $2,500 or more, you can name a bookshelf! You can select your preferred Library location and collections area (either fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, or teen books) and a plaque recognizing your sponsorship will be installed on a bookshelf for a ten-year term. Plaques can bear your name or that of your fundraising group, honour or memorialize a friend or loved one, or recognize a business, service club, book club, or community organization.