Thousands of books found new homes – and in the process helped build brighter futures for people in our community – during Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa’s annual ReStore Reads Book Fair.
Held during July 24–26, 2026 at the Stittsville ReStore, book lovers browsed more than 11,000 donated books, discovering everything from bestsellers and children’s favourites to cookbooks, mysteries, and rare finds. By the end of the weekend, $8,500 had been raised in support of Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa’s mission of building homes, communities and hope.
What visitors experienced over the weekend was the culmination of months of work by a dedicated team of volunteers.
The volunteer-led Book Fair was planned, organized and delivered by an organizing committee and four dozen volunteers, with invaluable support from Habitat ReStore staff. Long before the doors opened, volunteers spent countless hours sorting pallets of donated books, organizing thousands of titles by genre, preparing displays, and transforming the Stittsville ReStore into one of Ottawa’s largest community book sales.
“The ReStore Reads Book Fair demonstrates the incredible impact a community can have when people come together around a common purpose,” said Patrick Barker, Director of Social Enterprise Operations and Development at Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa.
“Our volunteers devoted hundreds of hours to planning and running this event, our ReStore staff provided exceptional support throughout, and our donors and shoppers embraced the Book Fair with tremendous enthusiasm. Every book purchased helps build opportunities for people to access affordable homeownership, providing a foundation for safety, stability and a better future. We are deeply grateful to everyone who played a part in making this year’s event such a remarkable success.”
The organizing committee extends heartfelt thanks to the generous individuals and organizations whose support made the ReStore Reads Book Fair possible. Hundreds of community members donated books throughout the year, providing the inventory that drew readers from across the city. Local businesses and organizations contributed bookends, tables, gift baskets, and other supplies that helped create a welcoming shopping experience. Every person who purchased a single paperback or left with a bag full of books, helped support Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa’s work of building affordable homes and stronger communities.
The weekend was made even more special by a visit from Glen Gower, Stittsville Ward Councillor, who stopped by on Saturday to meet attendees and tour the event, and six local authors who generously shared their time with readers and signed copies of their books: Sue Taylor-Davidson, David Chernushenko, Julianne Baclayanto, Darren Jerome, Mary-Jean Harris, and John W. Partington.
