Island bibliophiles are marking their calendars for May 24 and 25, the dates for BookFest, the annual sale of gently used books to raise funds for the Bowen Island Library. As always, the selection is vast and the prices are low. The sale will be located in the easy shopping space of the BICS gym, with Saturday hours from 10 am to 4pm and Sunday hours, 10 am- 2 pm.
Tables will be filled with hardcover and paperback books of all kinds, from quality novels, to mysteries, science fiction. fine arts, self- help,, history, and much, much more including lots of children’s books. There’s a fun special all day Sunday when a heaping box of books can be had for just $8.00.
The sale is hosted by the Friends of the Bowen Island Library, affectionately known as FOBILS or just ‘ the Friends’. Who are they?
FOBILS has been a dedicated supporter for the library since it’s beginning. BookFest is one of the long list of activities that the Friends have helped to make happen and it has its own special story. It began as a modest summer book sale in what is now the Tuscany patio area.
Before long, the sale moved into space at the restored Old General Store (now the library) allowing a marvelous selection of books. Eventually the library itself moved into its current location and the summer booksale was presented in the shelter of big yellow tents on the lawn. Islanders loved the annual sight of the tents. However, the tends proved to be too cumbersome and expensive and the sale moved to the roomy space of the BICS gym. The booksale eventually developed a junior partner, the mini-bookstore in the library’s lobby. It’s been an ongoing success.
Over the years, the Friends have helped to fund everything from the children’s Summer Reading Club to computer upgrades, new furniture or author visits. The 1978 team which first saw the need for Bowen’s own library would be amazed and proud of what has been achieved with the help of hundreds of Friends.
