Some St. Louis family attractions are re-opening with limited capacity and enhanced safety protocols for visitors and staff. Read more about family attraction re-openings and safety guidelines here. We invite our readers to enjoy virtual events and socially distanced events highlighted in our Things To Do calendar. Public health experts recommend that when you do go out, follow public health guidelines: wear masks (now required in St. Louis City and County), practice social distancing and wash your hands frequently. To learn why social distancing is important and effective in lessening the spread of COVID-19, hear from Dr. Alexis Elward, Chief Medical Officer at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Inspire Your Child's Love of Reading at the 61st Annual Greater St. Louis Book Fair
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.
Proceeds from the Greater St. Louis Book Fair support a variety of literacy and education programs in the St. Louis region. They also support the Nursery Foundation, a multicultural learning center for St. Louis children ages 12 months through 5 years of age.
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
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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.
