Book Fairs | February 17, 2016

67th Annual Greater St. Louis Book Fair Set For April 28-May 1

St. Louis, MO (February 2016) - With millions of books spanning over 150 categories, the Annual Greater St. Louis Book Fair (April 28-May 1) will once again offer volumes of great reads and bargains for book lovers and collectors across the St. Louis region and nationwide. 

One of the oldest and most popular charity book sales in the Midwest, the Greater St. Louis Book Fair will return to West County Center in Des Peres with all proceeds going to area literacy and education programs. 

“Our donations this year are really interesting and unique in many different categories,” said Marilyn Brown, Director of the Greater St. Louis Book Fair. “We also have plenty of current hot reads along with some trendy offerings such as graphic novels, vinyl records and LPS and coloring books. It’s shaping up to be another fabulous fair and we encourage everyone to peruse our aisles, buy plenty of books, while supporting local literacy and education programs.”

Now in its 67th year, the fair will feature a variety of impressive collections including limited editions, rare books, signed copies, coffee table art books, children’s books, music, cook books as well as CDs, DVDs and ephemera. The fair also has a new category of “Book Fair Recommends” books - recent publications and classics in a variety of categories: fiction, mystery, biography, literature, African-American and sports.

Popularity of Printed Books

In a digital age where American’s reading habits have changed, Brown said the popularity and staying power of the Greater St. Louis Book Fair proves there is still a high demand for printed books. Several recent studies support her.      

“Printed books remain popular and matter to a great deal of people,” said Brown. “We typically get a wide range of shoppers but all share one thing in common - a passion for printed books. E-book devices and tablet computers are great but readers want to get physical. There’s just something magical about physically possessing a copy of a book; then sharing that story you love with someone else.” 

Greater St. Louis Book Fair Schedule

To provide a more convenient, ample environment to shop, the Greater St. Louis Book Fair will hold a free, easy access shopping hour (9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, April 30) for elderly and disabled persons. Entry into the Greater St. Louis Book Fair is $10 the first day (April 28) and free the next three days (April 29-May 1). The following is the complete schedule for the Greater St. Louis Book Fair:

  • ?? Thursday, April 28, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • ?? Friday, April 29, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • ?? Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
  • ?? Sunday, May 1, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Greater St. Louis Book Fair is sponsored by the Clark-Fox Family Foundation clarkfoxstl.com, First Bank firstbanks.com, Hogan Transport hogan1.com, and West County Center shopwestcountycenter.com. The event takes place at West County Center I-270 and Manchester Road in Des Peres, in the Ballas Road parking structure, just off of Ballas Road. 

For more information visit StLouisBookFair.org, Facebook.com/STLBook Fair, call (314) 993-1995 or email info@stlouisbookfair.org.

About the Greater St. Louis Book Fair

Since 1950, the Annual Greater St. Louis Book Fair has been a favorite spring destination of book lovers and collectors nationwide. Volunteers work year-round gathering over one million new, gently used, and rare items from individuals, estates, businesses and other organizations. Fair proceeds assist local education and literacy programs with operational expenses, student aid, and other financial needs.