Big Book Sale Summary
Steacy Pinney
One spine at a time at our giant community book sale, Calgarians raise thousands of dollars in support of programs that help get kids reading. Find out which organizations have been named 2026 proceeds recipients—and how they’re making a difference in the learning lives of children in Calgary.
Book Sale Proceed Recipient News! How We’re Getting Kids Reading This Year
Last May, nearly 16,000 readers took home books from Calgary Reads Big Book Sale—and that raised nearly $584,000 for early childhood reading initiatives. As steward of the sale, our club’s Early Childhood Literacy Committee (ECLC) collaborates with our community partner, Kids Literacy Collective, to determine how best to distribute proceeds.
With a focus on multi-year investments that build momentum across the early literacy ecosystem, we’re supporting organizations as they add resources and capacity where it’s needed most.
Our committee and community partner have met, and we’re excited to share the first group of 2026 sale recipients.
Kids Literacy Collective – $250,000
KLC exists to strengthen the early literacy ecosystem in Calgary. As a network of changemakers intentionally collaborating to ensure children can read by Grade 3, and love it. KLC’s focus is prevention and early intervention. KLC connects partners, advocates for better conditions, curates trusted resources and practical tools, and shares evidence and stories to support families, educators and organizations rather than direct program delivery
2026-2027 activities include:
* netWORDing free PD sessions for educators on the science of reading, with renowned early literacy experts sharing insights and resources
* Childhood Unplugged panel featuring Katherine Martinko and other screen time experts
* Quiet kick-off of Calgary’s unofficial 2026 Year of Reading (inspired by the UK) and working nationally to influence Canada’s Year(s) of Reading
* Words in the World campaign to inspire young Calgary families to read anything and everything together as they move through their day, coming soon!
Little Red Reading House Book Bank - $100,000
Children spend more time reading and see themselves as readers when they have books of their own at home. That means they can start school with literacy skills and other skills that last a lifetime.
The Book Bank—stewarded by the Owerko Centre at the University of Calgary and located at ShedPoint—collects and distributes gently used children’s books via Little Red Reading House, Little Red Reading Van and partner agencies serving vulnerable families.
Calgary Public Library Foundation – $30,000
We’re helping some of Calgary’s youngest learners become readers through Calgary Public Library programs, including:
*My First Bookshelf
*The Story Truck
*The Kindergarten Book Bag Program
Children’s Picture Book – $15,000
Picture books help children explore not just the worlds that live in their imaginations, but also big feelings, empathy and other perspectives. Big Book Sale’s annual picture book publication now has its author and illustrator selected, and it’s heading to print soon. Stay tuned!
Seeding Reading Grants – Announced in October
Remaining funds will support Seeding Reading applications. These are small grants for initiatives that bring books and reading help to children from infancy to age 8. Deadline to apply is Sept. 25. Learn more and apply via Rotary Helps YYC.
Thank you once again, club members, for the important role you play supporting Calgary Reads Big Book Sale to help make it possible to raise these funds and get kids reading!
