63rd Annual Mark Twain Library Book Fair Labor Day Weekend In Redding

**News Release Submitted by The Mark Twain Library**

Aug. 20, 2024

One of the oldest and largest book fairs in all New England, The Mark Twain Library Book Fair is also recognized as one of the most organized events of its kind and takes place annually over Labor Day Weekend at the Redding Community Center. With more than 60,000 selections separated into 75 easy to find categories and geared toward all ages, it offers something for everyone. “We have been so careful to curate the books, they are in such good condition,” said Book Fair Co-Chair Catherine Riordan. “I touch this stuff all year and I can't believe what I see at the Fair!”

This year history buffs will find an uncommonly large array of history books in good condition from both world wars as well as the Korean and Vietnam wars. Art enthusiasts - or those in the market for beautiful coffee table books - will have plenty to pick from as several hundred more art books were donated than last year. There is an extensive classical CD collection donated by a public radio station that converted to an all-digital platform. Children and adults alike might get excited over the amount of fairy tales and folk tales that will be on sale. And, for collectors or those searching for nostalgia, there are many vintage and well-loved paperback science fiction and fantasy titles at the Fair this year as well as a good-sized collection of Sherlock Holmes books.

Redding resident Catherine Vecchiarelli has been coming to the Book Fair since moving to town more than a decade ago and volunteering with her two teenage children for almost as long. “(We) look forward to it every year,” she said, adding that it’s not just about the books but also the people. “Volunteering we meet people from all over. It never ceases to amaze me how far people come from and the various reasons, charitable donations to stocking classrooms and of course filling personal collections. Mark Twain Library is so much more than books, it's community and connection for all ages.”

The Book Fair runs through the entire four days of the holiday weekend. All proceeds go directly toward the operating costs of the library, which as an association library relies on fundraising to support 40% of its operating budget. Entrance to the event is free of charge except for one initial hour on the first day saved for those wanting an early start.

Famed humorist Mark Twain started his library in Redding more than 100 years ago as a place for the community to gather as well as a place to build on his literary legacy. Today, the Book Fair symbolizes and adds to that legacy by offering tens of thousands of items for sale in a place the community comes together each year.

Book Fair hours:
Friday, August 30th: 9am-4pm *
Saturday, August 31st: 10am-4pm
Sunday, September 1st: 10am-4pm (Half-price Day)
Monday, September 2nd: 9am-4pm ($10 per box, we will provide box)

*During the first hour on Friday, (9-10am) there is a $20 admission charge for those who want first dibs. Tickets for that hour will be available starting at 8 am on site…book dealers usually start lining up the night before!

Food on site including Rich’s Wings & Things Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Free parking. Credit cards accepted.