White Rock Rotary’s beloved book sale returns Aug. 22, but the event’s future is at risk as Surrey ends Fieldhouse lease, threatening a 42-year tradition.
Beloved Community Event Returns
The White Rock Rotary Book Sale, a 42-year tradition, is returning to Centennial Park’s Peace Arch Curling Club from Friday, August 22, through Tuesday, August 27. The semi-annual fundraiser will feature an estimated 40,000 books at bargain prices, drawing readers and collectors from across White Rock and South Surrey.
A Tradition at Risk
Despite its popularity, Rotary members warn that this year’s book sale could be the last. The City of Surrey has notified the South Surrey Fieldhouse Society and Rotary clubs that they must vacate the Rotary Fieldhouse at South Surrey Athletic Park by the end of September. Without storage and sorting space for donations, the twice-yearly sales cannot continue in their current form.
Why the Venue Matters
For more than 25 years, the Fieldhouse has served as the central hub for book donations and sorting, with drop-offs available around the clock. The facility was originally built in 1999 after Rotary clubs, led by then-president Wayne Baldwin, raised more than $1 million in partnership with the City of Surrey. Since then, it has been managed by the South Surrey Fieldhouse Society, whose membership largely includes Rotarians.
City’s Position
City officials say the lease expired last year, and their intention is to secure a new long-term operator by the end of 2025. Coastal FC, representing more than 4,000 local soccer players, has signed a short-term agreement and is expected to be a strong contender for future operations. Coastal FC executive director Chris Murphy said the city offered the Fieldhouse Society a lease extension, but it was declined.
Rotary’s Concerns
Rotary leaders argue that attempts to negotiate space-sharing with both the City and Coastal FC have not resolved their concerns. Book sale chair Keith Becker emphasized that commercial storage alternatives cannot accommodate the unique needs of the fundraiser. “We need a place to sort the books and accept donations 24/7—there’s simply no substitute,” Becker said.
Community Response
To rally support, Rotary members are circulating petitions at the book sale and online, urging Surrey to grant the Fieldhouse Society a renewed lease that respects Rotary’s long-standing contributions. Past president Anthony Manning noted that Rotary has even offered to help fundraise for a new Coastal FC facility, but proposals have been declined. “This sale is our bread and butter,” Manning said. “Without it, our ability to support local charities, seniors, and children is at risk.”
The Road Ahead
The White Rock Rotary Book Sale remains one of the most successful fundraisers in the region, benefitting countless community organizations over four decades. But as the September deadline approaches, its future hinges on whether Surrey will accommodate both sports and service groups in the Fieldhouse—or if one of the community’s most cherished traditions will be forced to close its final chapter.
