ELORA – The Elora Festival’s 34th annual Giant Book Sale was a record-breaking success, raising over $97,000 to support the festival’s summer programming.
Held from May 2 to 4 at the Elora Curling Club, the sale drew thousands of visitors from across the region who browsed more than 60,000 gently used books, games, CDs, DVDs and records.
“We do it because we enjoy reading and we love finding special treasures among the books that people donate,” stated the team of book sale volunteers in a press release.
Now one of the largest and most beloved sales of its kind in Ontario, this year’s event marked a new fundraising milestone.
Officials say the “incredible turnout and community support” demonstrated once again how deeply reading – and the Elora Festival – is valued in Centre Wellington and beyond.
“We’re thrilled with the results,” stated Alan Macdonald, festival manager of development and operations, in the release.
“Raising over $97,000 is a tremendous accomplishment; it speaks volumes about our community’s passion for the arts and is a testament to the amazing, tireless work of the book sale volunteers.”
While this achievement marks a major step toward the festival’s fundraising goals, organizers emphasize that there is still work to be done.
An additional $70,000 is needed to fully support the Elora Festival’s 2025 season, which runs from July 11 to 27.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the support so far, but we’re not across the finish line yet,” said artistic director Mark Vuorinen.
“Every donation, big or small, helps bring world-class music to our community and ensures the Festival continues to thrive.”
The festival invites supporters to continue their contributions by making a donation online, becoming a sponsor, or attending one of the events planned this summer.
Volunteers will begin accepting used books in June in preparation of next year’s book sale.
Books can be dropped off at the blue book closet, located at the end of Maiden Lane.
For more information visit elorafestival.ca.
