BLOOMINGTON — The Hoosier Hills Food Bank will host its 41st Annual Community Book Fair from October 16–21, 2025, at the Monroe County Fairgrounds. The annual event, a longtime local favorite, will once again feature two full buildings of books, games, puzzles, movies, and music at bargain prices — all to support the food bank’s hunger relief programs.
The fair kicks off Thursday, October 16, at 9 a.m. Opening Day admission is $10, but veterans receive free entry in honor of Veterans Appreciation Day. Monroe County Veterans Services staff will be on-site to assist veterans. Admission is free for all visitors beginning Friday, October 17.
The full schedule is as follows:
- Thursday, October 16: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., $10 admission (veterans free)
- Friday, October 17: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., free admission
- Saturday, October 18: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., free admission
- Sunday, October 19: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., free admission, Half-Price Day
- Monday, October 20: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., free admission, $10 Bag Day ($20 for Better Books)
- Tuesday, October 21: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., free admission, $5 Bag Day (Better Books closed)
This year’s fair will feature an estimated 100,000 items for sale, including fiction and non-fiction books of every genre, children’s books, DVDs, CDs, LPs, games, puzzles, and a limited number of specialty items such as maps, ephemera, and collectible metal banks. The “Better Books” section will include rare, antique, and collectible titles, along with graphic novels and comics.
The 2025 fair will offer an expanded selection of children’s books — both general and vintage — as well as a large horror and science fiction section, plus plenty of craft books and supplies. Visitors can also purchase locally made bowls from the Soup Bowl Benefit, and every child will receive a free custom-made HHFB coloring book and crayons while supplies last.
In addition, the food bank will partner with Constellation Stage to promote their upcoming performances of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. Representatives will have an informational table on-site throughout the event.
Standard prices include $3 for hardbacks, $1 for paperbacks, $3 for DVDs, $2 for CDs, and 50 cents for LPs and VHS tapes. Children’s books are priced at $1 for hardbacks and 50 cents for paperbacks, while Better Books and select specialty items will be individually priced.
The annual event remains one of Hoosier Hills Food Bank’s most popular fundraisers, helping to provide meals and resources for families across southern Indiana.
