Mini Book Sales at Richmond Library - Cambie Branch

The upcoming sale is on Saturday, August 15, 2026 from 10:00am to 4:00pm. See all sales dates

Retail Sales at our Used Bookstore

The bookstore (130-11590 Cambie Road) is open on Wednesdays from 10:00am to 8:00pm and Saturdays from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Books for sale

About Friends of the Richmond Library

The group was founded in 1972 to ensure better library service and donates significant funds to the library on an annual basis. About us

Membership with FOL

Anyone is welcome to become a Friend of the Richmond Library by paying a small yearly fee; all proceeds go directly to support the advocacy work done by the Friends. Join us

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About Us

• Who We Are
• What We Do
• Mission Statement
• Executive Members
• Our History

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Who We Are

Friends of the Richmond Library (FOL) was organised in 1972 to promote better library service in our community, and continues to promote its original objectives:

What We Do

In addition to operating our Used Bookstore, FOL organises regular small sales of used books at Richmond Library branches and an annual large sale at Thompson Community Centre. These sales are very popular community events, making low-cost reading available to everyone, as well as raising funds for special library projects.From time to time, Friends organise programs of special interest to members – could be a talk on book collecting, a travelogue, a library tour, or a discussion of library policies.“Friends” groups are common throughout North America. We follow the activities of other groups and lend support to local communities organising their own societies.Richmond Friends are available to assist at library events or programs when needed.

Mission Statement

Friends of the Richmond Library SocietyThe Friends will support and promote libraries as an integral part of the educational, social, and cultural fabric of the community. To enhance the impact and usefulness of the public library in the community, Friends will support the library programs which encourage literacy, the freedom to read, and public awareness of library services. Friends will assist the acquisition of appropriate materials and equipment by conducting fundraising events and by encouraging gifts and bequests to the Richmond Public Library.October 30, 1997

Executive Members

Introducing the new Board of Directors for 2025/26From left: Secretary: Elaine, Vice-Chair: Bonnie, Publicity: Pat, Chair: Debby, Membership: Ann, and Treasurer: Betsy. Not in photo was Programs: Trish.

Our History

In 1972, members of the University Women’s Club of Richmond recognised the need for organised support for library services in our community, but recognition of the need and working towards that goal took perseverance and tenacity. Beginning with a grassroots meeting of a small number of club members in late 1972, the idea soon developed. The Friends of the Richmond Library Society (FOL) enrolled 93 members before the end of the first year.The Municipality of Richmond provided the space and staff; the Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) provided the books. A good start, but not quite what the ambitious organisers of FOL had in mind. Library specific equipment and of course, books, were cornerstones to the dream of a local, community-based library. So how do you raise money for the fundamentals? Obviously, you hold book sales. And that’s exactly what FOL did, starting small with a few tables in the Richmond Shopping Mall and proudly announcing at the end of one early sale funds raised at just over $1,000.The need for books, particularly a collection that would stay in Richmond and be responsive to local needs and interests was paramount. By 1975, the push was on to leave the FVRL and establish a Municipal Library. The issue was put before the Municipal Council and, with this kind of community backing, Council was persuaded to go ahead and in May of 1976, the new Richmond Public Library (RPL) opened with FOL on hand to serve refreshments.Since then, FOL has provided support and funds for RPL.Annual (and semi-annual) book sales raise awareness of the library in the community and raise money. They are hard work, not just at sale time but throughout the year. But most members, committed bibliophiles, will tell you they are more than worth it. And we can say with pride, that over the years FOL has donated in excess of $750,000 to Richmond Library programs, projects and equipment.

Our “Whale of a Sale” is now a recognised logo in Richmond – patrons know what to expect: a well-organised collection of desirable books well displayed and reasonably priced.

With the onset of the covid pandemic, and with encouragement from RPL, FOL decided to open a Used Bookstore near the Cambie branch of RPL. It took some time to get it up and running, but it is now a successful bookstore, open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm, and completely staffed by dedicated volunteers.We continue to hold “Mini-Sales” in the Cambie library branch and to hold our Whale of a Sale at Thompson Community Centre, every March.

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Whale of a Sale

Every March, Friends gather at Thompson Community Center to host our biggest book sale of the year. Stay tuned for updates on the 2027 Whale of a Sale.Shop for used books at our Bookstore open weekly and Mini Sales held monthly.

• Visit the Bookstore
• Shop the Mini Sales

The whale with the reading bug has announced Friends of the Library book sales for many years. Look for it on social media and in our community posters throughout the year.

Mini Book Sales

Location

Richmond Public Library - Cambie Branch
150-11590 Cambie Road, Richmond, BC

About our Mini Sales

Shop for gently used books and support public libraries at Friends of the Richmond Library book sales.Our book sales are supplied by donations and fully operated by volunteers.These sales are very popular community events, making low-cost reading available to everyone, as well as raising funds for special library projects.

Retail Sales (Bookstore)

Location

Friends of the Richmond Library - Used Bookstore
130-11590 Cambie Road, Richmond, BC

*Summer extended hours starting on Wednesday May 20, 2026.

Books for Sale

We have a large collection of hardcover & paperback fiction. Categories include Art, Music, Biography, Classics, Canadiana, Cookbooks, Crafts & Hobbies, History, War, Sports, Geography and Travel, Children, Chinese, and so much more!

Donate Books

Donations of used books in good condition are also accepted at this location during operational hours.

• More Ways to Donate
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Become a Member

Membership

Membership in Friends of the Richmond Library is open to all persons over the age of 15 who support the objects of the society.The membership year begins with the annual meeting in November, but new members are welcome any time.Join us by submitting your application by mail, in person, or online.

How To Join

Submit a paper application

Please complete this application and mail it, together with your fee, to the address below, or leave it with Richmond Public Library staff, and a member of the Friends of the Library will contact you.

• Download the membership form here.

Apply Online

Alternatively, submit the form below to apply online and a member of the Friends of the Library will contact you.

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Contact Us

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Donations

Your support makes a difference! Thank you for your interest in donating to the Friends of the Richmond Library society. Every donation we receive goes towards promoting better library service in our community.

Donate Cash

Cash donations are accepted at the Friends of the Library Bookstore. Every donation over $20 will be eligible for a tax receipt.

Friends of the Library Bookstore

130-11590 Cambie Road, Richmond, BC
Wednesdays from 10:00am to 8:00pm and Saturdays from 10:00am to 4:00pm

Donate Books

The Friends of the Library welcome donations of used books in good condition at the our Bookstore and the Book Shed at Richmond Recycling Depot.

Friends of the Library Bookstore

130-11590 Cambie Road, Richmond, BC
Wednesdays from 10:00am to 8:00pm and Saturdays from 10:00am to 4:00pm

The Book Shed at Richmond Recycling Depot

5555 Lynas Lane, Richmond, BC
Everyday from 9:00am to 6:15pm
Depot is closed on statutory holidays