Book lovers rejoice! $5 book sale is here

By Lethbridge Herald on November 13, 2025.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

With the holiday season just around the corner, the Friends of Lethbridge Public Library have announced their next book sale, the Pre-Holiday $5 Bag Sale on Nov.22-23 at the Main Branch. Funds from this sale will support special projects, programming, and services for both LPL branches.

“With the price of everything rising, it’s nice to know that $5 will get you a LOT at the Friends’ Pre-Holiday Bag Sale” says Barb Gibson, book sale director. “It’s an amazing deal.”

Books are and always have been great Christmas gifts because they are timeless, universally appealing, and can be personalized for any recipient. They offer a wide variety of options, from novels to art books, and can be a thoughtful, meaningful gift that is both affordable and lasting.

And if not for those special people on Santa’s “nice list,” you can purchase them by the bag for your own reading and collections. Remember: it’s not “hoarding” if it’s books. 

With close to 500 boxes of books available, there will definitely be lots to choose from. The Library Theatre Gallery will showcase over 350 boxes of adult fiction and the remaining 150 plus boxes of books (as well as toys) will be available in the Community Meeting Room. 

As with previous sales the Bag Sale will allow buyers to purchase a standard grocery shopping bag of books or 20 DVDs/CDs for just $5. Customers can and are encouraged to bring their own shopping bags, but are reminded that oversized bags will be priced-adjusted accordingly.

The Friends’ Pre-Holiday Bag Sale will take place on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10-5:30 PM and Sunday, Nov. 23 from 1-5 PM at the main branch at 810 5 Avenue South.

Public libraries have historically and consistently relied on additional funding beyond core government budgets to offer a wide range of programs and services. 

While the majority of funding for essential services (staff salaries, materials, and utilities) comes from local and provincial tax dollars, this public funding is often subject to fluctuations and is generally insufficient to cover the growing needs and “extras” that define modern library services.

Libraries commonly raise extra funds through in-house book sales, typically run by volunteer “Friends of the Library” groups and through strategic partnerships with external organizations, which can include other businesses, non-profits, or educational institutions.

The Friends of LPL partnership for over 30 years has raised well over $1 Million dollars to date,  much to the benefit of the patrons of the library. In addition to raising funds, the Friends also advocate for the library.