One of the most popular donated items in a thrift store is books.
We have on average about 50 books donated daily.
There was one day when a gentleman brought us in 15 boxes of books, which easily equated to about 400 novels.
We get books from all eras, comic books, encyclopedia sets, love stories, thrillers, cookbooks, comedies, self-help, pets, educational, and many, many children’s books.
We have a processing technique when we receive books that requires us to flip through the pages to be sure nothing is in between them.
One of our employees once found someone’s passport in a book. Thankfully she was able to contact the person and have it returned.
However, I have to tell you it’s fascinating to see some of the personal and unique items that people store in books.
Love letters, friendship letters, grocery lists, photographs, diary pages, pressed flowers, and even money.
We had a two-dollar bill fall out of a book the other day that had obviously been used as a bookmark.
Our young employee who found it was perplexed and questioned if the bill “was actually real” at one point?
(This may have been when I realized how old I am! Lol!)
Another very cool thing we see frequently is author signatures. Many of our books have a personal inscription from the author inside of them, which is often fascinating to read.
So now you know that books aren’t just for reading, they are also places to keep a person's personal treasures.
A story inside a story, if you will.
Hunting with Holmes is a featured column in partnership with the Prince George Hospice Resale Shop and Amanda Holmes. You can find treasures at its stores, 3051 McGill Cres. and 1466 3 Ave., visit its Facebook page or give them a call at 250-964-1505.
