Children’s Hospital Book Market turns book sales into record-breaking support for kids in hospital

Winnipeg, MB (September 22, 2026) – A beloved community event is returning to St. Vital Centre for its final sale of the year, following a record-breaking spring fundraiser. The Children’s Hospital Book Market fall sale, taking place September 25 and 26, offers book lovers the chance to find their next great read while helping children in hospital. The spring sale raised more than $407,000, setting a new record for proceeds from a single book market event.

Children’s Hospital Book Market fall sale hours:

• Friday, September 25 | 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
• Saturday, September 26 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Shoppers will find thousands of gently used books from over 80 categories, offering something for readers of all ages and interests. Every purchase makes a difference, with funds raised going to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba in support of Child Life programs that bring comfort to kids and families at HSC Children’s Hospital.

Book Market is possible thanks to over 400 dedicated volunteers who work year-round to pick up, sort, and price books. Volunteers also pack up and move thousands of books to the sale, and on event days manage the many genre tables, help buyers find their perfect read, and ring through purchases.

“The record-breaking success of our spring sale was only possible because of the extraordinary volunteers who dedicate countless hours throughout the year,” says Meaghan Rutherford, Executive Director, Children’s Hospital Book Market. “Their commitment transforms community donations into critical funding that supports pediatric care in our community. As we prepare for our final sale of the year, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to every volunteer whose efforts continue to change the lives of children and families.”

To accommodate the continued growth of the Book Market and create a better shopping experience, several book categories will be relocating to new areas within the sale. Shoppers are encouraged to check event signage upon arrival to easily find their favourite sections or click here for the fall sale map.

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

Children’s Hospital Book Market plays a critical role in the Foundation’s mission to sustain the Child Life programs that bring comfort, distraction, and emotional support to patients and families at HSC Children’s Hospital, raising over $500,000 every year.

Child Life programs require more than $1 million in donations every year to continue and include:

• Children’s Hospital TV (CHTV), the in-house TV station that provides free programming for all patients and broadcasts a live, daily show called The Good Day Show to engage and entertain kids in hospital.
• Music Therapy, which can bring a sense of calm and comfort to children and families in hospital and provide opportunities for healthy expression through singing, playing instruments, and movement.
• The Library Program, which giveskidsand families access to books and movies for all ages, resources on a range of topics related to child health that can help families better understand what their child is going through, and literacy programming. Stories provide a welcome distraction from the hospital experience, and books in over 20 languages give families with diverse cultural backgrounds a sense of belonging.
• The playroom with engaging and developmentally appropriate toys and a mini hospital environment to help kids understand the procedures they may experience. Play is the universal language for children. It is how they communicate, master skills, socialize, explore their environment, and is important for their development.
• Special celebrations held by Child Life, including holidays and activities, to provide distraction and help families make meaningful memories in hospital.
• Therapeutic Gaming and Technology, which uses video games and game-based activities to support mental, emotional, and physical health. It helps kids build skills like problem-solving, stress management, and provides social interaction in an engaging and interactive way.

The Children’s Hospital Book Market is the longest-running volunteer-led event supporting the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. The event 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.

Book donations are accepted year-round at the below locations:

• Any Dufresne Furniture & Appliance Store
• Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Stations

Mark your calendars for 2027. On Saturday, February 6, Book Market will host a one-day comic pop-up sale, and the spring sale is set for April 23 and 24.