The 'Friends' opens pop-up book store in Trail Bay Centre

The Friends of the Sechelt Public Library Pop-Up Used Book Store offers thousands of titles at bargain prices.

A cart holding books and a sign reading “Free” mark the entrance to the Friends of the Sechelt Public Library Pop-Up Used Book Store in Trail Bay Centre. Inside, the walls are lined with thousands of titles while shelves and tables add to the ever-growing list of genres, including mysteries, beach reads, romance, thrillers, fantasy, science fiction, non-fiction, history and more — so much more -- all at affordable prices. As well, the back wall carries an extensive collection of kids books and stacks of DVDs sure to please the annual migration of cottage dwellers looking for a little entertainment on a rainy Sunshine Coast day.

Ready to offer advice and guidance on all things books, is a dedicated team of Friends of the Sechelt Public Library volunteers, including Gillian Smith and Alison Miller, who on this day offered a guided tour of the bright space. Smith is co-chair of the group alongside long-time volunteer Sandy Friedman. Miller explained the selection of books available in the store is just a fraction of what the group has in storage.

“There’s a lot more where these came from,” said Miller. Meanwhile, Smith offered some details into the fundraising efforts of the “Friends,” as they’ve come to be known. Between January 2013 and June 2026, the group has raised almost $136,000.00 for the Sechelt Public Library, money which has gone towards everything from shelving to lobby chairs, KOBO readers to charging stations.

The “Friends,” as the group has come to be known, is an independent, non-profit organization founded in 1997. Comprised of a dedicated and passionate group of volunteers, the organization raises funds in support of the Sechelt Library, promotes literacy, and helps ensure the library remains a vibrant and essential part of Sechelt and surrounding community. The Friends also organize the Book Faires at the Sechelt Library, with the next events scheduled for July 17 to 19, and July 31 to Aug. 2.

The pop-up book store in Trail Bay Centre is open now through September, with hours varied due to volunteer availability. Note: No book donations will be accepted at the Trail Bay location.