Wandering through rows and rows of tables filled with books has been a fall tradition in the southeast for many years now. Whether it’s been perusing for your favourite in the Mall halls at Clearspring Centre in Steinbach or online during this pandemic, bookworms of all ages have been looking forward to refreshing their libraries with gently read books and an opportunity to raise money for a local charity.

This year the ROC Eastman Fall book fair is taking place inside the Swift building along Hwy 52, filling several former office spaces and the front reception area with books, games and puzzles. 

Steph McClain from Recreational Opportunities for Children Eastman says, “We're hosting our book fair again and we are so excited. It's been a year since our last in-person event. While last year was different than in the past, it’s different and unique this year too. But we're so excited.”

McClain says over the past year, they’ve continued to receive huge amounts of book donations however, because of the pandemic,

“We hadn't actually been able to sort them all because we haven't been able to have volunteers in to help in almost a year. So ROC staff have been going in and sorting books to make sure that we get some of these new books out at our book fair.”

McClain says of those who helped, “We are super lucky. Our amazing volunteers have sorted a ton of books prior to everything being shut down.”

She says all the books are now sorted and ready to go. In seeing all the tables and shelves full, McClain estimates about 10,000 books ready to be given a new home.

McClain says that because of their large inventory they are able to drop the price of the books so it’s more affordable for more people.

"All of our adult fiction, nonfiction, everything is $2 or less. If there is a price written inside the cover of a book that shows less than $2, we honour that amount. All of our kids and youth chapter books are $1. We've also got some puzzles and games available again as well.”

This year the ROC Eastman Fall Bookfair takes place inside the Swift office space across from Loewen Windows, on the south side of Hwy 52. There will be parking signage. You are asked to use the former reception entrance doors. Limited access to 22 persons inside the book fair. 

Bookfair hours are: October 21 - 23 - Thursday and Friday 10am to 7pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.