Calgary Reads Society invites you to the 8th annual CBC/Calgary Reads Book
Sale

CALGARY, April 28 /CNW/ - Come to one of the best used-book sales in Calgary and take home some great treasures. Bring your kids. Meet friends. Enjoy a cup of java and browse to your heart's content at the 8th annual CBC/Calgary Reads Book Sale.

    
        Where:      TRIWOOD Arena, 2244 Chicoutimi Drive NW

        When:       Friday, April 30 (4 to 9 pm)
                    Saturday, May 1 (9 am to 4 pm)
                    Sunday, May 2 (9 am to 4 pm)

        Entry Fee:  $2 donation
    

The sale offers thousands of gently used books for readers of all ages in a variety of genres. From cookbooks, to biographies, to mysteries, to photography and children's picture books, there's something that appeals to every taste. And the price is right - most are a buck each with some specialty books individually priced.

"Last year we were fortunate to raise $98,000. We hope to surpass that this year," says Steacy Lee Collyer, Calgary Reads Executive Director. "Ten per cent of the proceeds are spent to put on the sale. The rest helps us support Calgary Reads' mission to improve the confidence and ability of struggling young readers."

Calgary Reads offers the only in-school programs in the Calgary area specific to struggling Grade 1 and 2 readers and their families. What began as a pilot in 1998 with 25 tutors working with 40 students has morphed into a successful literacy project. Today, there are more than 250 adult volunteers tutoring 450 students in over 65 schools in Calgary and its surroundings communities.

As well, the organization has expanded its mandate to include Calgary Reads @ Home in which families of Calgary Reads students gather over four nights to learn how to encourage and support literacy in their homes; Calgary Reads with a Friend in which tutoring is undertaken by the employees of a corporate donor and Calgary Reads with English Language Learners, a pilot project providing additional tutor training to work with English as a Second Language students.

Cindy Anderson is one of the organizers of the CBC Calgary Reads Book Sale and has helped coordinate the tutoring program, "When you see that little one going down the hall with a skip in their step, holding a book saying 'I can read', that's what it's all about. Not only that, you can see the growth in their self esteem and overall success in school."

For details about the CBC Calgary Reads Book Sale and Calgary Reads' programs go to www.calgaryreads.com.

For further information: Steacy Lee Collyer, Co-Executive Director, [phone]