"Unveiling a Toronto Bookstore: Beyond Selling Pages - Delving into a Unique Experiences"
A Typical Day at a Hidden Gem: Bookends South
In the quaint corner of Toronto Reference Library, a charismatic, volunteer-powered used bookstore known as Bookends South, unfolds its daily charm. Here, you'll find ordinary folk engaged in some extraordinary book-loving activities.
Bookends South, operated by Friends of the Toronto Public Library South Chapter, has been a tranquil refuge for bibliophiles and patrons who seek quality reading materials at a fraction of the original price. CDs, DVDs, and vinyl albums are also available, with prices starting from a mere 25 cents.
Frank Velikonja, a dedicated volunteer with 20 years of service, plays a pivotal role in this charming establishment. Upon his arrival for his nine-hour shift, he undertakes diverse responsibilities, from restocking shelves to managing the cash box, and even catering to other volunteers' needs—all with an unwavering passion for books.
Ken Popert, a retired regular, found his way to Bookends South after browsing the Toronto Public Library website. He contributes one shift each week, inspecting, sorting, and organizing the endless stream of donations that flow into the store. Books of exceptional rarity are marked with blue dot stickers and given higher prices.
Popert revels in the experience, stating that sorting books unveils "a window into the lives of strangers." He comes across amusing discoveries such as the frequent occurrences of money used as bookmarks.
Rare finds are showcased in bi-annual treasure sales at the library's Beeton Hall, where items are sold for just 25% of their market value, with the proceeds benefiting the organization. These funds primarily support literary programs at the Toronto Reference Library, backing the Elementary School Outreach Program for children.
Bookends South is ever-eager for new volunteers. While clerical duties and inventory management are the mainstay of volunteer work, assistance with sorting donations and pricing books are particularly appreciated. Volunteers are also needed for special events and occupying managerial roles.
Antoinette Fracassi, a three-year volunteer, dedicates one shift every two weeks to Bookends. Her roles include managing the cash register, maintaining the store's appearance, aiding customers, and processing purchases. Fracassi chanced upon Bookends while exploring the library, and her 15 years of bookstore experience felt like a perfect fit.
Fracassi has experienced many heartwarming moments volunteering, such as the occasion when a couple visited the store to purchase numerous books for a Jamaican charity they worked with. These books were destined for a local resource center.
Volunteering at Bookends South, she confesses, keeps her spirit alive.
"You gain so much from volunteering because of the people you meet and the stories you hear, painting vivid pictures of lives vastly dissimilar from your own."
While the exact history and impact of Bookends South are not extensively documented, its contribution to the local community by promoting literacy and fostering a love for reading is undeniable.
- Among the variety of items available at Bookends South, such as news, lifestyle, home-and-garden, and entertainment titles, you might stumble upon rare finds during one of their bi-annual treasure sales.
- During her dedicated shifts at Bookends South, Antoinette Fracassi, a three-year volunteer, usually handles entertainment and lifestyle books while maintaining the store's appearance.
- The media often highlight stories about Toronto's hidden gems, but Bookends South, an environmentally conscious used bookstore, might offer a unique perspective on the city's thriving literary scene.
- A regular at Bookends South, Ken Popert, finds solace in sorting and organizing books from various genres like books, home-and-garden, and even novels offering insights into the environment.
