Opened in June 1994, the Literacy Central VI (used) Bookstore is a steady source of revenue for Literacy Central VI. The store is staffed by a manager and many, many volunteers. All books are donated by individuals and institutions in our community. The books are sorted and priced by volunteers before being put on the shelves. Pricing policy is in line with other "used book" stores in our community.

The store has proven to be more than just a source of revenue. It is highly visible and, in some ways, less threatening than the Literacy Central VI offices. Book store staff have to be prepared to respond to enquiries about literacy statistics and programs.

Our volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and in some cases volunteer time becomes "work experience" for individuals wanting to gain experience or re-enter the work force.

We have provided boxes of books to individuals travelling to third world countries and remote native villages in our own province. National Geographics are recycled to elementary schools.

We have some of our collectible and older books listed on the Internet. They are listed on a these web sites: Advanced Book Exchange, biblio.com, and www.Antiqbook.com.

     
Click on a thumbnail for a closer look.

Fundraising

The Great Walk

This is Brian O'Rooney, our computer technician. He came 11th in a field of 245 by completing the Great Walk (63.5 km) from Gold River to Tahsis, B.C. in 7 hours in 15 minutes. He raised over $2,000.00 for Literacy Central VI. This is the 5th time Brian has competed in the walk and has decreased his time every year.

In our 6th annual Scrabble Tournament, held March 1st, 2008, 31 players raised $5,390.35 for literacy programs in Nanaimo. Anne Judson raised the most in pledges of $1,185.00. The Scrabble Tournament recreational division winner was Linda Mercer and the advanced division winner was Gerry Ellery.

If you are interested in hosting your own Scrabble Tournament you can get a free guide from the National Scrabble Association site.