Five years ago, Joyce Noseworthy thought there was a chance the Canadian Federation of University Women's Great Big Book Sale in St. John's might stop growing.
Devices like Kindles, Kobos and iPads were becoming more popular and it seemed like the era of physical books might slowly be on the way out.
But it doesn't seem like that tide is turning anytime soon — this year the sale has had its largest inventory yet.
"We have books of all types, all genres: fiction, non-fiction, adult books, children books, foreign language books, English books … you name it, we have it," said Noseworthy, the president of the CFUW-NL.
On Monday evening, hundreds of book lovers made their way to the RE/MAX Centre, tote bags and moving boxes in tow.
Proceeds from the sale go toward scholarships for women in Newfoundland and Labrador, GED programs, and community groups.
Massive lineup to get in
Before the sale even opened, a line snaked around the building, as bibliophiles clamoured for their chance to get first pick at the litter.
"I'm a very avid reader. It's one of my greatest pleasures in my life and this is just such a good opportunity," said Adrice King, who has been coming since the very first book sale.
"We've read everything we have around us, and we've exchanged all the books we have, and now we're hoping to get some new ones," said Robbins.
"I found some good stuff, I'm looking for some true crime, looking for some rocks and minerals, lots of good finds," she said.
Judging by the number of people juggling two armfuls of books at the sale, her plan off attack seemed to be shared by many.
"I'll look through them when I'm done."
The book sale continues through Wednesday, at which point all books remaining will be free for the taking from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.