The 54th Annual Mark Twain Library Book Fair is just around the corner; by Labor Day weekend the Community Center will have been transformed into a massive bookstore. A special floor covering put down in the gym, dozens of rented tables hauled in, thousands of boxes of books carefully unpacked and organized by category to make browsing easy and fruitful. But there are expenses associated with the set-up of the fair, and this year the Book Fair Team has devised a colorful way to defray them...with balloons?!
"Balloons For Books!" was launched this week at the Library. Supporters can purchase a mylar balloon for $10 (or 3 for $25), which the Library will personalize and display in the children's section for the duration of the four day fair. Balloons can be claimed on Labor Day Monday, the last day, and taken home. Organizers envision this not only as a source of income, but as a colorful way to decorate the Community Room where the children's and young adult books are sold.
"We are all very enthusiastic about this idea," said Library Trustee and Book Fair Team Leader Ginny Beasely. "We look forward to seeing dozens of shiny, customized balloons floating above the tables. What a joyful way to enhance the Children's Section while helping with the Book Fair's bottom line. I have already purchased three, one for each of my grandchildren!"
Opening day of the Book Fair is Friday, August 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Traditionally, book dealers from across the country attend the fair on this day – some even spending the night before in the parking lot just for the opportunity to get first dibs on the vast collection. On Saturday, August 30th, the Book Fair will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Sunday, August 31, the fair is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., all items are half the price marked. And on Labor Day, September 1, the fair will be open from 9 am to 4 pm for "BOXING DAY!" where, for just $10, customers can fill a box full of as many books as they can squeeze in.
Refreshments will be available (courtesy of Ridgefield sidewalk hot dog vendor Chez Lenard) 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. Visit www.marktwainlibrary.org or call (203-938-2545) for more information.