SHARE

New Canaan Woman Makes Large Donation To Mark Twain Library's Book Fair

REDDING, Conn. – When Mark Twain ran into financial trouble, his good friend Henry Huttleston Rogers, a successful oil executive, helped guide him toward fiscal stability. 

The book fair — in its 56th year — is the oldest, and one of the largest, in New England.

The book fair — in its 56th year — is the oldest, and one of the largest, in New England.

Photo Credit: Contributed
The annual Mark Twain Library Book Fair will be Sept. 2-5 at the Redding Community Center.

The annual Mark Twain Library Book Fair will be Sept. 2-5 at the Redding Community Center.

Photo Credit: Contributed
Attendees at the book fair can browse among more than 60,000 books in about 75 categories.

Attendees at the book fair can browse among more than 60,000 books in about 75 categories.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Today, Rogers’ great-great-granddaughter is coming to the aid of the library in Redding that Twain founded – by donating a substantial collection of history and art books to the 56th Annual Book Fair. 

“We’re delighted with this bit of serendipity,” said Ginny Beasley, co-chair of the book fair, which is Sept. 2-5 at the Redding Community Center. “Rogers played a huge role in helping Twain regain his financial footing, and today a descendant of Rogers’ is helping to support one of the library’s major fundraisers.” 

Lorian Peralta-Ramos, of New Canaan, donated more than 40 boxes of books– mostly history and art titles -- from her family’s collection. “Because of Henry Huttleston Rogers’ friendship with Clemens, it just seemed the appropriate thing to do. In fact, it was almost a no-brainer,” Peralta-Ramos said. 

The sale is at The Redding Community Center; 37 Lonetown Road (Route 107), and each day is different:

  • Sept. 2 — There will be an “early buying” admission charge of $15 between 9-10 a.m. After 10 a.m., admission is free, with each individually priced book for sale as marked. Also, there will be a special “after-school spree” from 2-6 p.m., when library staff will be on hand to offer age-appropriate book suggestions. The Natural Scoop ice cream truck will be on site from 2:30-5 p.m.
  • Sept. 3 — The book fair is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and books will be sold as marked.
  • Sept. 4 — This is half-price day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Sept. 5 — The book fair is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and customers can purchase a box of books for $10.

Parking is free, and refreshments will be available.

The Mark Twain Library Book Fair is the oldest – and one of the largest – in New England. The library was founded by Samuel Clemens – Mark Twain, himself -- in 1908. Twain moved to Redding in 1907 and had more books than would fit in his new home. He donated more than 1,000 titles to help start the library.

Today, the book fair still is one of the library’s principal fundraisers. 

For more information, please go here or call 203 938-2545.

to follow Daily Voice New Canaan and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE