Signed First Editions at Redding's Mark Twain Library Labor Day Weekend Book Fair

Mark Twain Library Book Fair is coming up Labor Day weekend, and the Collectors' Corner -- the coveted room at the Library housing the rare and valuable treasures for sale -- is especially interesting this year, according to fair organizers.Book expert Paul Weissman, who prices this category for the Book Fair team, has discovered an outstanding number of meaningful donations. Among the highlights: a wide variety of signed first edition volumes.

"First edition books signed by the author are coveted by the book dealers, but also make very special gifts," said Library Director Beth Dominianni. "I imagine The Collectors Corner will be very popular this year."

The 54th Annual Mark Twain Library Book Fair is scheduled for Aug. 29 to Sept. 1 at the Redding Community Center. With close to 65,000 titles amassed, this year's fair will continue in its rich tradition as one of the biggest – and the best.

The first day, Friday, Aug. 29, there will be an "Early Buying" admission charge of $10 between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. After 10 a.m., admission is free, with each individually priced book for sale as marked. On Aug. 30, books will be sold as marked; Sunday is half price day. Labor Day Monday is "Boxing Day -- from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., customers can purchase a box for $10 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.