After months of preparation, the Bethesda Auxiliary Book Faire is on now at Clearspring Centre in Steinbach. Thousands of books are on display in this, the bigger of the two sales held annually by the Auxiliary.

Chair Ruth Heppner says this year they are hoping to raise about $15,000. The money will go towards the purchase of a new bathtub unit for Bethesda Place in Steinbach. Heppner notes they purchased a tub last year already, however, the care home needs to replace all of its tubs, yet the Auxiliary can only replace one at a time. The cost per tub is between $15,000 and $17,000.

The Book Faire runs Wednesday to Saturday and Heppner says a lot of work has been going on since January to get ready. She notes people donate books year round. Then starting the first week of January, a group of 12 to 15 volunteers will meet weekly to sort the books, price them and place them in boxes for the sale.

Heppner says she has no idea how many books are up for sale.

"We just take what comes," she says.

Heppner adds it is wonderful to feel this support from bookworms in the southeast.

"When we take literacy and reading seriously it improves our overall health," notes Heppner. "Our goal is to improve the health system, which is also evident by the projects that we put our money into."

The Book Faire has become a tradition in Steinbach. And even though many people are switching to eReaders, Heppner says she doesn't think the electronic devices have put much of a dent in the success of this sale.

Heppner would like to offer up a big thank you to the many volunteers who have made this sale possible. She says during the sale they rely on about 20 volunteers each day.