Redding book fair brimming with literary treasures

As anyone knows if they've attended The Mark Twain Library Book Fair, held over Labor Day weekend at the Redding Community Center, the tables overflow with an impressive array of books, music, DVDs and other items for sale. This year will be no exception, with some particularly rare and exciting pieces within the usual vast selection.

The Collector’s Corner, one of the most popular spots at the Book Fair, will feature many beautiful first editions. Paul Weissman, a longtime Redding resident and library volunteer who has organized the Collector’s Corner for more than a decade, said he is most excited by this year’s fine collection of 20th century literature. There are many books — and even a rare uncorrected proof — of classics by authors such as Truman Capote, E.B. White, and Thomas Pynchon. There also are two Robert Frost first editions, signed by the poet.

Another highlight of the Collector’s Corner is a large assortment of fiction titles published under the Franklin Library imprint. The books feature beautiful gold embossed covers and each bears the signature of its author —Joyce Carol Oates, Toni Morrison, Maeve Binchy, John Updike and Michael Crichton among them.

Additionally, this year’s fair will represent a large donation from the estate of George Plimpton, the writer and literary editor. There are books by authors and poets whose careers Plimpton supported during his years at The Paris Review— some of the books contain personal notes inscribed to Plimpton. A choice selection of the Plimpton donation will be included in the Collector’s Corner; others will be found within the fiction and literature sections.

The children’s section offers some wonderful choices for young readers, from classic stories and fairy tales to a collection of 75 volumes of war-era adventure and air combat stories. “These books are a terrific way to introduce young readers to an important era in American history,” said Carol Hartten, a volunteer who has been in charge of the children’s and music section for more than 25 years.

Another surprise addition this year is something that is rarely seen at book sales: a collection of player piano rolls. The batch comprises classics such as “Moon River”, “Let It Be”, and seven selections from “West Side Story”.

For a comprehensive listing of featured items at this year’s Book Fair, visit marktwainlibrary.org/bookfair.

The first day of the 58th Annual Mark Twain Library Book Fair will be Friday, August 31. On that day, there will be an “Early Buying” admission charge of $20.00 between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. After 10:00 am, admission is free, with each individually priced book for sale as marked. Also on Friday there will be a special “After School Spree” from 2 to 6 p.m., when Library staff will be on hand to offer age-appropriate book suggestions. Polar Pete’s ice cream truck will be on site from 3 to 4:30 p.m. that day.

On Saturday, September 1, the Book Fair will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and books will be sold as marked; Sunday, September 2, is half price day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Labor Day Monday, September 3, the Book Fair will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and customers can purchase a box of books for $10.00. Parking is free, refreshments will be available and credit cards are welcomed. 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.