It’s been 30 years since Milledgeville’s first Library Fair. It was September 1981 and now September 2011 continues the one Milledgeville tradition you can count on. Not much has changed since the first Fair. You’ll still find Youth Services Coordinator Anne Moore at the event plus a number of other favorites. And the Fair’s proceeds still go to the Friends of the Library who provides supplemental funding to the Library. If you’ve never been or are a repeat attender, you don’t want to miss this year’s event. The Library Fair is Saturday, September 24, 2011 from 9am to 2pm at the Mary Vinson Memorial Library in downtown Milledgeville.

The avid or casual book lover is sure to find a few hidden gems at the Book Sale. As is tradition, books can be purchased individually, by the bag for $10, or by the box for $15. We will supply you with the bag and the boxes. There are plenty of books and you’re likely to find the one or even twenty you may be looking for. From children’s books to westerns, there’s something for everyone. For faster service you’ll want to bring cash so you can bypass the main line. Plus, if you’re a fan of Frank’s Friends Bookstore, it will also be open the day of the Fair. And there’s a Fair exclusive: the day of the Fair all items in Frank’s Friends will be half off (excluding items that are already $.25 or less). That’s a big deal since all items in Frank’s Friends are less than $5!

If you’re looking for a few extra things for yourself, for a gift, or just for the sake of picking something up, the flea market area is for you. Indeed, the Library Fair has it all. If you’d like to donate items for the flea market sale be sure to drop it off at the Mary Vinson Memorial Library. And if you’d like a receipt for your taxes, we’ll provide that as well. But even if you don’t have something to donate be sure to come by and peruse the area. The Flea Market sells virtually anything (except clothes).

Maybe you’re into plants. Well, the Fair has that too. With the assistance of GCSU’s Dr. Harriett Whipple and the Biological and Environmental Sciences Department, we’re also the place to visit for your plant needs. If you’re looking for something big or small, if you’re a horticulturist or just someone who likes plants, you’ll definitely find a good buy and a great plant at the Plant Sale.

No Fair would be complete without food and entertainment. For some great outdoorsy food at can’t beat prices the Fair has items ranging from $.25 to $1.50 in the Food Court. These treats include hotdogs, chili dogs, chili cheese dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, boiled peanuts, soda and the list goes on. Plus if you have a sweet tooth you’ll definitely want to head over to our Bake Sale. Homemade cakes, brownies, and other delights are very affordably priced and is definitely worth the trip. And while you munch on the great food you’ll want to take in free shows in the Children’s Theatre. This year’s entertainers include Milledgeville Idol 2011 runner-ups and finalists plus perennial favorite, magician Ken Scott.

Still want more? Of course, how can you forget about the kids? We’ve got kids games including Go Fish, Plinko, Pick-a-Pop, and more. No child walks away empty-handed. Plus with the games being inside, no matter what the weather is outside you’ll love playing in our bounce house without breaking a sweat or getting wet! And we make it convenient to buy tickets. You can buy a $5 Economy Pass or a $10 Super Pass that will certainly provide your child with a solid block of fun time. The Super Pass includes all of our kids activities. It’s not just all games either. There’s face painting and arts & crafts as well. These are geared toward children of all ages.

There’s even a Community Corner with organizations of interest. For example, come to the Fair and adopt a pet courtesy of Baldwin County Animal Control. Or if you’re interested in furthering your education check out Central Georgia Technical College’s table. And we’re still anticipating more participants. The Fair is not just a library activity; it’s a community event.

For as little as $15 dollars you can come to the Fair and eat, enjoy shows, buy books and other media, and have a great fun-filled day. Rain or shine the 31st Annual Library Fair is where you should be on Saturday, September 24, 2011 from 9am to 2pm. The Fair will be held at the Mary Vinson Memorial Library located at 151 South Jefferson Street. And even if you can’t attend the Fair contact Barry Reese at 478-452-0677 ext. 25 or barryreese@tllsga.org for more information on donating or being a Fair sponsor.

This article appeared in the September 2011 issue of The ‘Ville.