The Mississauga Symphony Orchestra’s Giant Used Book Sale — described by organisers as one of the largest such events in Ontario — returns to the city for its 31st year starting Sept. 17. The four-day sale will be held on the lower level of Sherwood Village, at 2225 Erin Mills Parkway, and brings together thousands of books, records and music-related items for shoppers and collectors.
What’s on offer and where to go
Organisers say the sale features a broad selection of fiction and non-fiction titles alongside vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, puzzles, board games and sheet music. They emphasised that "all items are in excellent condition and listed at unbeatable prices," making the event attractive to budget-conscious readers and collectors alike.
- Dates: Sept. 17–20
- Location: Sherwood Village lower level, 2225 Erin Mills Pkwy., north of the QEW
- Payment: Cash only
- Benefit: Proceeds support the MSO’s concert season, the Mississauga Symphony Youth Orchestra and special large-scale projects
Schedule and special notes
The sale opens the evening of Sept. 17 and runs through the weekend. Organisers have set varying hours across the four days, and the final day will feature half-price pricing on all items.
| Date | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 17 | 5 p.m.–9 p.m. | Opening night |
| Sept. 18 | 10 a.m.–8 p.m. | Full day |
| Sept. 19 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Saturday shopping |
| Sept. 20 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | All items half-price |
"All items are in excellent condition and listed at unbeatable prices," organisers said in a news release.
Why it matters locally
The Giant Used Book Sale is the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra’s major fundraising event of the year. Proceeds are earmarked to support the MSO’s annual concert season, the growing Mississauga Symphony Youth Orchestra and special large-scale projects such as fully staged opera productions. For a municipally based arts organisation that combines professional musicians with skilled amateurs, the revenue from this sale plays a direct role in programming and community outreach.
For Mississauga residents the sale offers more than bargains. It is an annual community gathering that connects readers, collectors and volunteers. Over three decades, the event has become a fixture in the local cultural calendar and a practical means for the orchestra to sustain educational initiatives and ambitious productions that might otherwise face tighter budgets.
Practical considerations for visitors
The sale’s return to Sherwood Village places it within reach of the Erin Mills neighbourhood and the QEW corridor. Shoppers should be prepared to pay by cash only, organisers note, and to expect a wide variety of media beyond books, including records and sheet music — items that reflect the MSO’s focus on music and performance.
Those planning a visit during the weekend should be aware that the final day, Sunday, is half-price across all items, which can draw larger crowds and faster turnover of stock. Early evenings and the opening night on Sept. 17 may offer the best selection for collectors seeking high-demand titles or hard-to-find items.
Community volunteers typically assist with sorting and sales; for many, the event doubles as an opportunity to support local arts while connecting with neighbours. For anyone seeking further details or wishing to confirm hours, organisers advise checking the MSO’s event notices and local listings ahead of arriving.
With thousands of items on offer and a clear fundraising purpose, the Giant Used Book Sale remains a practical example of cultural fundraising in Mississauga: accessible, community driven, and focused on keeping live music and youth programming viable in the city.
