Mark Twain Library Book Fair August 16-20

REDDING — In 1908 the Mark Twain Library was established after an initial donation of books by Samuel Clemens — a/k/a Mark Twain himself. And for the past 41 years the library has continued to thrive on revenue earned at the library’s annual book fair, where tens of thousands of donated books are sold each year.

Serious book dealers, casual readers and bargain hunters alike from far and wide flock to The Mark Twain Library’s Annual Book Fair, one of the largest of its kind in New England. This year over 175,000 books will be on sale from Thursday, August 16, to Monday, August 20. The Mark Twain Library Book Fair is held at Redding Elementary School, on Lonetown Road.

On Friday and Saturday the book fair runs from 9 am to 6 pm. Books will be sold for the prices they are marked. On Sunday, August 19, all books will half price, and on Monday, any remaining titles are free (though donations are welcomed).

Admission and parking to the fair are free. Refreshments will be on sale and credit cards are welcomed.

The Mark Twain Library’s annual book fair is a vital source of income. Last year it produced close to $50,000. It is an ongoing, labor-intensive project. Volunteers accept donations of books continually throughout the year, sort them, price them, and then sell them.

For more information contact the library at 203-938-2545.