Mark Twain Library Book Fair Volunteers Needed

Written by Maggie McIntire

REDDING, CT. – For the past 55 years, the smooth operation of the longest running Book Fair in New England has been dependent on a single factor: the hundreds of dedicated volunteers who work to make it the best.

The Mark Twain Library’s signature fundraiser, which takes place over Labor Day weekend at the Redding Community Center, features tens of thousands of items and requires hundreds of volunteers. This year, the Book Fair will welcome back longtime helpers, like the mother-daughter teams of the Redding and Easton Chapter of the National Charity League; and also get assistance from new faces, like members of the Joel Barlow High School Wrestling Team.

“Believe it or not, there are more than 200 shifts to fill,” said Ginny Beasley, co-chair of the Book Fair. “Many people look forward to the Book Fair and work multiple shifts – thank goodness! But if you’ve never volunteered and can spare even an hour or two, please come and help.”

Volunteers are needed from Tuesday, September 1 through Wednesday, September 3 to set up the Book Fair starting at 9 a.m. The Book Fair opens on Friday, September 4 and runs through Monday September 7. There are a variety of jobs available for volunteers: In addition to setting up and taking down the fair, volunteers work as cashiers, tally/baggers (a great opportunity for a two person team), and merchandisers to organize and display the materials. Students middle school age and up are welcome to volunteer.

For information, or to sign up to volunteer, go to www.marktwainlibrary.org, visit the Library or call 203 938-2545.

Mother and daughter teams from the National Charity League, a non-profit national organization that works to foster a sense of community responsibility and strengthen the mother-daughter relationship, have been volunteering at the Library Book Fair for many years, and members will be out in force this year as well.

“It’s a great volunteer opportunity – the Book Fair is both busy and fun,” said Gosia Tedawes, treasurer of the NCL’s local chapter, which has 230 members. “It’s a great way to give back, and inevitably, you learn something in the process.”

Members of the Joel Barlow High School Wrestling Team are going to do some heavy lifting at this year’s Fair.

“It’s a good way to serve the community, and it’s also a great opportunity for us to get the Joel Barlow Wrestling Team out there, so more people come out to watch our matches. It’s really a fun sport,” said Nicolas Garoffolo, 16, a resident of Easton and a junior at JBHS.

Donations for the Book Fair are still being accepted at the Library, but the deadline is Friday, July 31.

The first day of the 55th Annual Mark Twain Library Book Fair will be on Friday, September 4. On that day, there will be an “Early Buying” admission charge of $15.00 between 9:00 am and 10:00 am. After 10:00 am, admission is free, with each individually priced book for sale as marked. On Saturday, the Book Fair will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and books will be sold as marked; Sunday is half price day. On Labor Day Monday from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm, customers can purchase a box for $10.00 and fill it with as many books as they’d like. Parking is free, and refreshments will be available. All proceeds benefit the Mark Twain Library.

The Mark Twain Library is owned by the Mark Twain Library Association. It was founded in 1908 by Samuel Clemens – Mark Twain himself – one of Redding’s most celebrated residents.