More is a word Evelyn Dodds feels is extremely appropriate to describe the upcoming 12th Annual Used Book Sale in support of the Mississauga Symphony.
This year, there will be more books and media for sale, more people and, hopefully, more dollars raised. Dodds, chair of the used book sale committee who also serves as secretary on the symphony's board of directors, said those coming out to the sale can expect to see much more selection over previous years.
For starters, there will be 54,000 books divided into 48 categories covering everything from fiction to historical, romance to science-fiction, and scores of other genres. It's almost 20,000 more books than last year's event, which raised about $46,000.
"There are people who come out specifically to support the symphony, and there are people there who couldn't care less about the symphony but absolutely love books," said Dodds.
In addition, there will be hundreds of CDs, DVDs, records, puzzles and games. There are also loose odds and ends, such as old postcards and calendars, and a slew of children's books.
"Last year, we had 8,000 books for children and they sold out in two hours," said Dodds, with a laugh.
The sale starts Thursday at 7 p.m. It continues at the Sheridan Centre until Sunday, Sept. 23.
Most books sell for anywhere from 50 cents to $3. There are some rare books that cost a bit more, which will be kept separate from the rest in the sorting room that's located on the mall's lower level, next to the library.
Almost 30 volunteers work twice a week, year-round, to prepare for the sale, which is described by Dodds as the symphony's largest yearly fundraiser. During the sale, that number swells to about 180 and Dodds is always looking for extra hands to help out.
Speaking to The News while surrounded by thousands of books stored in all manner of boxes stacked nearly to the ceiling, Dodds said the sale is so large, customers get a map that shows where all the books are located throughout the mall.
There is also a special selection of about 300 German-language books and draws for Mississauga Symphony Orchestra concerts.
For more information, call 647-866-7253 or visit www.mississaugasymphony.com.

cclay@mississauga.net