Library’s book fair needs volunteers

Written by Susan Wolf
Saturday, 24 July 2010 23:00

For half a century, Reddingites have been donating their time to organize and sell books to raise money for the Mark Twain Library. Remarkably, this year marks the 50th Annual Book Fair, and though the venue has changed a few times, and the quantities of donated books have varied — one thing remains the same: It’s the people power that makes the enormous operation a success.

Set-up will take place at the Redding Community Center on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 1 and 2, beginning at 9 a.m. The book fair opens on Friday, Sept. 3, at 9 a.m. It runs through Labor Day weekend. On Tuesday, Sept. 7, volunteers are also needed to break down the fair.

The Mark Twain Library Book Fair, its signature fund-raiser, features tens of thousands of books, and requires hundreds of volunteers hours over the course of six days to set up, sell and take down. Volunteer coordinator, Ginny Beasley, is currently canvassing helping hands to execute this gargantuan chore.

“Believe it or not, there are more than 200 shifts to fill,” said Ms. Beasley. “Many people look forward to the book fair, and work multiple shifts every year, thank goodness. But if you’ve never volunteered and can spare even an hour or two, please come and help. You will see friends and neighbors, and probably meet new ones; this is — and always has been — a real community effort.”

Ginny Beasley may be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; there are also sign-up sheets at the library, or visit the library’s Web site at www.marktwainlibrary.org for more information.

Volunteer opportunities include cashiers, set-up and take- down before and after the fair, and what the book fair folks call “floaters,” those who tidy the categories after browsers have muddled things up. Students middle school age and up are welcome to volunteer.

The Mark Twain Library Book Fair is one of the oldest and largest in New England. 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.

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