Children’s Hospital Book Market continues caring for kids

Volunteer-run book sale raising critical funds for Manitoba’s only children’s hospital

Winnipeg, MB (April 23, 2026) – A treasured Manitoba tradition is continuing its long-standing commitment to children’s health as the Children’s Hospital Book Market enters its 66th year. As the longest-running volunteer-organized event supporting the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, the Book Market has been helping raise funds for Manitoba’s only dedicated children’s hospital for more than half a century.

This spring Manitobans are invited to shop thousands of quality used books at the upcoming Book Market sale, featuring all genres of books, taking place Friday, April 24 to Sunday, April 26 at St. Vital Centre. Proceeds from each sale support comfort programs for children and families at HSC Children’s Hospital.

“The Book Market is an extraordinary example of what volunteers and community support can accomplish for children in our community,” says Stefano Grande, President & CEO, Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. “For 66 years, Manitobans have come together through this event to help families and enhance care for kids across the province and we’re so grateful for the ongoing support.”

The Children’s Hospital Book Market is made possible through the dedication of over 300 volunteers, generous book donors, and community shoppers who return year after year to support children’s health in Manitoba.

The sale will span all the walkways in St. Vital Centre, with thousands of donated books from over 80 categories including a wonderful children’s book section featuring many vintage kids’ stories, language books, fantasy novels, cozy mysteries, teen titles, gaming books, graphic novels, rare finds, art, sports, true crime, recent releases and so much more.

Children’s Hospital Book Market spring sale hours:

Friday, April 24 | 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday, April 25 | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday, April 26 | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

The Children’s Hospital Book Market plays a critical role in the Foundation’s mission to support families who need Manitoba’s only children’s hospital, raising around $500,000 every year. These funds go towards Child Life programing that provides purposeful and fun opportunities for distraction and play to help kids while in hospital.

Child Life programming is 100 per cent donor-funded and includes:

• Therapeutic gaming and technology, which uses video games and DVDs to help children cope through distraction, normalization, fun and enjoyment
• Children’s Hospital TV (CHTV), the in-house TV station that provides free programming for all patients and broadcasts a live, daily show to engage and entertain kids in hospital
• Music Therapy, including song writing, instrument lessons, group sessions and one-on-one visits with certified music therapists to help kids relax
• The Library Program, which includes The Book Corner lending library with books and DVDs for all ages, a book cart that visits each unit three times a week, book and movie baskets readily available on each unit and group and one-on-one reading sessions with dedicated library staff to bring kids comfort and connection
• The playroom with engaging and developmentally appropriate toys and a mini hospital environment where kids can learn about procedures and treatments they will experience in hospital
• Special celebrations including holidays and activities to provide distraction and help families make meaningful memories in hospital

Children’s Hospital Book Market was established in 1961 and has raised more than $10 million for HSC Children’s Hospital thanks to the dedicated volunteers who started and continue running this event.