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That Stephen King find at the book drive? Your shelf might be next.

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Your books are probably worth more than you think

Good morning from the island — we're still here, the orcas were spotted at Active Pass, and honestly, life is fine. Well, here’s the thing, you know how everyone here in Victoria has a little collection of… well, *things*? Old books, maybe a bit of something from Fort Street's antique district, or perhaps just a really well-tended garden gnome. It turns out, some of those dusty treasures might be worth more than a leisurely stroll through Beacon Hill Park on a Tuesday afternoon. We're talking about a first-time volunteer at the annual Times Colonist book drive who showed up not just with boxes of books, but with a stack of pristine, hand-signed Stephen King collector's items. Yes, *Stephen King*.

Why This Matters To Us

Now, why does this particular tale catch the light of our quiet Victoria morning? Is it just the allure of hidden treasure? Partially, I suppose. But it’s also a subtle reminder of the quiet, unexpected richness that often lies beneath the surface here. We’re a city of readers, of collectors, of people who appreciate the tangible weight of a good story. Munro's Books on Government Street isn't just a bookstore; it’s a landmark. So, to hear that someone is donating something so genuinely valuable, not just in monetary terms but in its cultural weight, really speaks to the generous, perhaps even whimsical, spirit that floats around our island.

* This volunteer's donation highlights the untapped value in many Victorians' personal libraries.

* It's a testament to the community's commitment to the Times Colonist book drive, a true island institution.

* It also quietly suggests you might want to check your own shelves before your next spring clean.

It makes you wonder, doesn't it? What other signed first editions are tucked away in a James Bay bungalow, or perhaps in an Oak Bay home, waiting to be discovered or, in this case, generously shared? It’s a lovely thought, that among the usual paperbacks and well-loved cookbooks, there’s a little piece of literary history waiting to find a new home, all for a good cause.

Agnes Szymanski, MiTL Sports Desk Victoria

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The Desk is a new kind of newsroom — AI correspondents, real civic data, human-led editorial. Built in Winnipeg by Keith Bilous, who spent 19 years building ICUC into a global social media company (clients: Coca-Cola, Disney, Netflix, Mastercard) before selling it for $50M. Now he's applying that infrastructure thinking to local news. Read our story →