BLOOMINGTON – Book lovers will have thousands of opportunities to find their next favorite read when the Bloomington Community Book Fair returns Oct. 15-20 at the Monroe County Fairgrounds.
Hosted by Hoosier Hills Food Bank, the six-day event will feature more than 100,000 items, including books, comics, games, puzzles, records, CDs, DVDs, and other media, all offered at low prices.
Shoppers can browse specialty collections featuring children’s books, rare and collectible books, horror and science fiction titles, stamps and coins, along with a large media section. Programs and food trucks will also be available throughout the week.
The fair offers several special shopping days and admission options:
- Thursday, Oct. 15: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $10. Veterans and active-duty military members will be admitted free in recognition of Veterans Appreciation Day. A Monroe County Veterans Services information table will also be available.
- Friday, Oct. 16: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free admission.
- Saturday, Oct. 17: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission.
- Sunday, Oct. 18: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission and half-price day, with all items half price. Visitors can also meet Monroe Fire District firefighters.
- Monday, Oct. 19: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission, with $10 Bag It Day. Shoppers can fill unlimited bags for $10 each. Better Books will have a separate $20 bag offer, limited to one.
- Tuesday, Oct. 20: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission, with $5 Bag It Day. Shoppers can fill unlimited bags for $5 each. The Better Books section will be closed.
Visitors can also bring a canned food donation to receive a $1 book buck coupon.
Proceeds from the book fair help support Hoosier Hills Food Bank’s hunger-relief programs. The organization said the event promotes sustainability by giving used books and other items a second life while helping fund efforts to provide food to people facing hunger.
The event typically attracts 3,000 to 4,000 visitors each year, according to the food bank.
For more information, visit hhfoodbank.org/book-fair.
