Mark Twain Library Book Fair

Book Yourself  Some Weekend Fun

     Looking for some holiday-weekend fun, a few good reads, and some really terrific bargains? Then head on over to the Mark Twain Library Book Fair -- one of the largest, and oldest book fairs in New England -- taking place over the Labor Day weekend.

     The Fair is located at the Redding Community Center on Lonetown Road, with plenty of parking, rooms brightly lit, air-conditioning, and wheel chair accessibility. The Book Fair is fun and easy to navigate, with the most popular titles of the day organized by theme alongside interesting and hard to find out-of-print books. 

     Each day offers a slightly different bargain-shopping experience. Friday’s earlier start time accomodates the many book dealers that travel from far and wide to get first dibs on the wide-ranging selection. On Friday after 10 a.m. admission is free all weekend making it a fun place to simply spend time browsing: Saturday is “Choices Unlimited” with prices as marked from 9 to 5, on Sunday books are “Half-Price” marked, and on Monday (Labor Day) it’s “Bag Day” from 10am to 1pm, where you can stuff as many books into a bag as you can fit, for the cost of only $5 each bag. Recyclable plastic and paper bags are provided; and for the first time this year there will be reusable Mark Twain Library cloth bags available for shoppers to purchase and keep, for only $1 a piece. Credit cards are accepted on each day of the Fair.

     The annual Book Fair is one of the Library’s most important fund raising events; yet the sale prices of thousands of new and used books are set at bargain-basement levels, making the event a win-win for everybody involved. There are many vounteers on hand to assist shoppers with carrying and carting books, and refreshments will be offered for sale by The Redding Ridge Market on Friday, and Girl Scout Troops 5004 and 50739 on Saturday and Sunday.

  This year the Mark Twain Library, located nearby the Book Fair on Route 53, will remain open on Saturday and Sunday (closed Monday) to accomodate curious out-of-town visitors, and regular patrons. A special offering on Saturday will be an art tour provided by the Library’s Director, Beth Dominianni, of the various and historical artistic pieces at the Mark Twain Library. The talking tour will begin Saturday, September 1st at 3pm.