The Magic of the Mutchmor Book Sale: How books become trees, benches and more 

The Magic of the Mutchmor Book Sale: 

How books become trees, benches and more 

By Jessie Wilson 

Each spring, the Mutchmor Book Sale brings neighbours together to browse approximately 25,000 gently used books – about the same number found in the Sunnyside library. For many families in the Glebe and Old Ottawa South, the sale has become a much-anticipated community tradition. 

The sale opens to the general public on Thursday, April 30 at 4 p.m. and runs through Sunday, May 3. Everyone in the community is warmly invited to attend. Past sales have drawn hundreds of neighbours, so be sure to come early to browse the best selection of books, games and puzzles! 

Organized by parent volunteers, the annual sale raises funds that go directly back into the school community. Last year’s sale raised an impressive $22,000. 

One of the most visible results of this community support is the recently completed outdoor classroom, which opened last summer. The new space provides teachers and students with a dedicated area for outdoor learning, allowing classes to gather outside for lessons, reading time and group activities. 

Funds from the book sale have also paid for new benches in the junior yard, enjoyed by students and the wider community. New trees are also on the way and are scheduled to be planted this fall, providing much-needed shade. 

Crucially, the book sale also provides significant funding to the school library, helping to update both the French and English collections. Each year, proceeds are used to purchase new books for the Mutchmor school library, keeping the collection fresh, engaging and reflective of students’ interests. Teachers also take free books for their classroom collections. 

“My school has two libraries,” says a Mutchmor Grade 1 student. “The normal one upstairs and the magic one in the basement!” 

While the sale is open to everyone, the first day is just for the kids. Children’s Day – when Mutchmor students get to shop the sale before the grand opening – is one of the Mutchmor Book Sale’s longest-standing and most beloved traditions. 

Come and experience the magic for yourself. Visitors can expect a wide variety of items available for purchase, including gently used children’s and adult fiction and non-fiction books, games, puzzles, colouring books, unused activity books and kits, CDs and DVDs. 

And be sure to return on the closing day, Sunday, May 3, for some unbelievable bargains. 

Jessie Wilson is a member of the Mutchmor Book Sale Committee and has been participating in the book sale since 1988. 

Mutchmor Book Sale  

Lower level of  

Mutchmor Public School 

enter at 185 Fifth Avenue 

April 30 – May 3 

Hours: 

Thursday, April 30: 4 – 8 pm 

Friday, May 1: 4 – 8 pm 

Saturday, May 2: 10 am – 4 pm 

Sunday, May 3: 10 am – 2 pm 

Donations: 

In the weeks leading up to the sale, the organizing committee will be collecting donations from the community. Residents are invited to drop off items at the front doors of Mutchmor Public School, 185 Fifth Avenue, during the following times: 

Donation Drop-Off Hours: 

April 13–17: 8:45 – 9:15 am 

April 20–24: 8:45 – 9:15 am  

and 7 – 8:30 pm