Music to booklovers’ ears: The Kingston Symphony Fall Book Fair returns

If you’re the kind of person who always has a stack of books ready to read next, mark your calendar, as one of Kingston’s most beloved September events is returning this year.

On Monday, Aug. 29, 2022, the Kingston Symphony Volunteers expressed they are “thrilled to announce the return of [the] hugely popular Fall Book Fair.” For anyone who has never attended the annual event, the Book Fair’s popularity is due to the varied subject matters and types of books on offer – and this year, the Kingston Symphony Warehouse is “bursting with thousands of used books,” the Symphony Volunteers said.

Beginning Thursday, Sept. 8 and running until Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, the Fall Book Fair will take place at the Kingston Symphony Warehouse, which is “packed to the rafters with thousands of books of every genre,” according to the Symphony Volunteers. Categories of available books include (but are not limited to): music, collectibles, Canadiana, children’s literature, poetry, fiction, mystery, military history, politics, art, architecture, science, biology, health and fitness, self-help, and DIY.

“It’s great to be back at the warehouse preparing for the book sale, which has the makings of being our best ever,” said Marilyn Campbell, one of dozens of volunteers involved in setting up the Book Fair, according to the Symphony Volunteers, who noted that hundreds of volunteer hours have gone into sorting books and setting up for the event since May.

“I’m looking forward to seeing our old friends once again and hoping to welcome many new ones,” Campbell expressed.

Continuing a tradition that leaves tickets in high demand, opening night of the Fall Book Fair will be open only to those with a limited number of early bird tickets, available at $20 each. Ticket holders get access to the warehouse full of books early, from 4 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022. While the early bird tickets – of which there are only 50 – went on sale earlier in August, there are still some remaining. But those wanting to get their hands on one will need to move quickly, as the early bird tickets are already 75 per cent sold out! Early bird tickets are available on the Kingston Symphony website.

After 4:30 p.m., tickets on opening night will be $5 per person, and entry to the Fall Book Fair is then free for the remainder of the event.

“It is hoped that everyone planning to attend Book Fair will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  Large crowds are expected, and space is limited,” the Kingston Symphony Association said of COVID-19 guidelines for the Book Fair.

“Everyone will be asked to wear a facemask in the warehouse; masks will be provided at no charge to those who arrive without one. Non-latex gloves will also be available at no charge. Social distancing and the use of hand sanitizer will be strongly encouraged.”

The Kingston Symphony’s Fall Book Fair hours will be:

Thursday, Sept. 8: 4 to 8 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 9: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 10: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 11: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 12 through Friday, Sept. 16: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 17: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 18: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“For love of books, and in support of the Kingston Symphony Orchestra, come and buy!” the Kingston Symphony Association said.