DAVAO CITY – Bookworms rejoice!
Two million books are featured as the Big Bad Wolf eyes one million new readers in its fourth return to this city for a book sale from Nov. 22 to Dec. 1 at The Tent of the Azuela Cove in Lanang, this city.
BIG Bad Wolf Books co-founder and executive director Jacqueline Ng (fourth from left) and managing partner Carolyn Chuaying (third from left) announces in a media conference on Tuesday, Nov. 12, that the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale will return to Davao City at The Tent of the Azuela Cove in Lanang, featuring a collection of two million books, from Nov. 22 to Dec. 1.
Big Bad Wolf said the 2024 World Biggest Book Sale’s seeks to change one’s life, particularly children of all ages, through literacy as part of their mission to connect with one million new readers, said Jacqueline Ng, co-founder and executive director of the Big Bad Wolf Books-Sendirian Berhad.
Ng said their main goal is to change lives, especially in countries and cities where reading culture is lacking and accessibility and affordability of books is a concern.
Carolyn Chuaying, managing partner of the Big Bad Wolf Books Philippines, echoed Ng. She said statistics show that the country lacks readership and literacy and that there is a need to drive education and reading further to change one’s life.
“Aside from the places we’ve been to, we also want to reach out to other places where we have never been to, where children need books, have enough facilities which can be able to hold an extensive exhibition such as this, and the population is also ready,” Chuaying said.
Ng said they believe in building a new generation of readers. She added that even if adults do not read or do not speak English, they believe in parents who want what is best for their children, thus, bringing books to various areas to enable them to help their children.
“We are not just teaching the children to read. Reading makes them feel good, motivated to learn, and confident. When they go to school, they would ask questions, become more curious, continue to pursue knowledge, and look at something they are passionate about,” Ng said.
She said the Big Bad Wolf sourced their books from the United Kingdom and the United States to bring good, high-quality books to encourage more readers. She added that new books at a low price attract more readers and could even turn a non-reader into a reader.
“Even I get goosebumps when I walk through the sales, amazed at the best quality of the books. Even non-readers you bring along to the sale, I can guarantee they can find something. They are silent to purchase for themselves. That’s the magic of the Big Bad Wolf,” Ng said.
For this year’s Big Bad Wolf Books Sale, Chuaying said they are bringing in IKEA Philippines, showcasing their furniture and products, and giving away P50,000 worth of IKEA products to those who will purchase P3,000 worth of books during the nine-day event.
“We also partnered with the Metrobank, which will be giving zero percent interest to everyone who will be purchasing P3,000 worth of books on their installment card. There will be a lot of activities you can expect at the upcoming Big Bad Wolf Book Sale in Davao,” Chuaying said.
Ng thanked their partners and people who were with them along the way for making the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale feasible and possible. She said they do not have a target profit in every city they visit. She added that all they want is to help people without losing money.