For the past 58 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 August 31 through September 3 at the Redding Community Center, features tens of thousands of items and requires hundreds of pairs of helping hands.
Volunteers are needed on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, August 28, 29 and 30 to set up the Book Fair, and on Tuesday, September 4 to take down the Book Fair. The Book Fair opens for sales on Friday, August 31 and runs through Monday, September 3. 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.
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 $20.00between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. After 10:00 a.m., 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 Monday, the Book Fair will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., and customers can purchase a box for $10.00 and fill it with as many books as they’d like. Parking is free, credit cards are accepted, and refreshments will be available throughout the Book Fair. 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.
Image credit: Natalie Jorgensen