I love this time of year not only because the weather is getting warmer, but also because it marks the return of one of my all-time favorite St. Louis events, the Annual Greater St. Louis Book Fair. Now in its 61st year, the largest charity book sale in the Midwest returns to West County Center (in the Macy’s East Parking Garage) from Thursday, April 29, through Sunday, May 2.
I can remember going to this when I was a kid with my grandparents. It was one of those events that really helped foster my love of books and reading. I have tried to continue the tradition by bringing my daughter each year. Empty your kids’ piggy-banks and show them how many great books they can pick out for just a few bucks. Most items are priced between $1 and $5 and Sunday is half-price day.
If like me you have great memories of past book fairs, get online and share them at www.stlouisbookfair.org for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to this year's fair. In addition to a great selection of books for kids and teens, there are thousands of books for adults (fiction and non-fiction) as well as movies, music and other collectibles.
Opening night, Thursday, April 29, includes an auction of rare, out-of-print and collectible books. A preview is offered from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and the auction begins at 7:30 p.m. A list of auction items is available online. An admission fee of $10 will be charged for opening night. Admission is free on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The Book Fair will open an hour early, from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 1, exclusively for people with disabilities. Other hours are as follows:
Thursday, April 29, 4 to 10 p.m.
Friday, April 30, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 1, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 2, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
By Amy Burger, Events Blogger for SmartParenting
Amy Burger is a mom, freelance writer and communications professional with nearly 20 years experience working in St. Louis. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and media outlets including STL Parent, Missouri Life magazine, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Town & Style and kdhx.org, among others. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two beautiful girls at home in Kirkwood.
At this free art program for ages 3-6 the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!
Meet up at the Nature Playscape in Forest Park for a fun storytime followed by nature adventures! These free story times are open to children of all ages and their caregivers.
Storytelling in the Museum is an in-person storytelling event happening at 10:30 a.m. at the Missouri History Museum. This event, perfect for the preschool set, features engaging stories with themes like Grandparents Day, Hispanic Heritage Month, and mealtime. Storytelling in the Museum is free.
Explore songs, finger plays, music and more during this Music & Movement class for ages 0-6. Some sessions are held in person at various branches of the St. Louis County Library. Some sessions are virtual.
Tiny Trekkers is a weekly nature-based program for preschoolers (ages 3-5) at the Nature Institute. Preschoolers explore the nearly 500 acres of preserves through hands-on experiences out in nature. Kids stomp through creeks, use nets to catch and observe insects, taste edible plants, and learn about the natural world.
