toronto reference library

Thousands line up for cheap books in Toronto

Toronto loves to read. That much was clear from the snaking lineup of people that sprung up at the Toronto Reference Library this morning for the Friends of Toronto Public Library's clearance book sale.

when you wanna to buy books in the library#free#referencelibrary

A post shared by Zhiwei Hu (@joshuazhi752996) on

These blowout sales - where books and other media sell for 10 to 50 cents each - usually happen a few times per year. Yet it's unclear why this edition was so popular - perhaps March break had something to do with it.

A post shared by Lisa P. (@lisastar08) on

According to a representative from the Toronto Public Library, bookworms and bargain hunters started queuing at 9 a.m., half an hour before the sale was slated to start.

The Toronto Reference Library estimates around 1,000 people have been through the sale so far today.

A post shared by Lisa P. (@lisastar08) on

The photos that cropped up on Instagram show a queue snaking through the main floor of the TPL's biggest branch. This morning, the wait time to get in topped one hour.

A post shared by Kyle (@gedgebot) on

And it's just day one. The sale continues until 7 p.m. tonight and it's on tomorrow, from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds go to help support a variety of TPL programs. Apparently there are still lots of books left.

A post shared by marian (@marewanders) on

Lead photo by

edapitcher


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Arts

A guide to Nuit Blanche 2024 in Toronto

21 things to see at Nuit Blanche Toronto 2024

The Toronto Biennial is a window into what art looks like right now

Breathtaking public space opens in Toronto for Truth and Reconciliation Day

Toronto was just named one of the best cities in the world for creatives

Toronto museum is reopening to the public after closing to kick off massive renovation

A new generation of writers aim to put a different spin on Toronto nightlife

Huge art festival opens in Toronto this week and it will last for more than 2 months