The third annual Free-for-all Book Fair will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Glenwood Springs Community Center. The event is organized by board members Rebecca Percy, Brynne Gordon, Caitlin Causey and Karen Urnise — all mothers, professionals and book lovers.
The event started with approximately 2,000 books in New Castle; this year, nearly 10,000 books are expected, with a mix of used, gently used and even new selections. Attendees will find a variety of books from different genres, in both English and Spanish. This event comes to life thanks to the volunteer work of many people and the support of nearly 20 local sponsors.
Tell us a little about how the book fair comes to life. What is the process?
Causey: It takes us about four months to organize the entire event. We begin planning in the summer and collect community book donations throughout October across Carbondale, Glenwood, New Castle and Rifle. In November, volunteers help sort the thousands of donated books by age group, storing them in a donated unit at Royal Mini Storage. We recycle any books in poor condition.
We could not do this without the tremendous support of the Two Rivers Community Foundation. We are really thankful to them. All of us bring this event to life completely on a volunteer basis, because we love to read and want to see more people in the community reading and enjoying books through every stage of life.
Why has it been important for you to bring this book fair to our community?
Urnise: Books are one of the few things we have that allow us all to escape our day-to-day world. They bring us to new places, and open our eyes to places we have never seen. Sharing books in our community makes us grow and learn together.
What motivates you to continue this mission, year after year?
Gordon: Access to books has been proven to support children’s growth, learning and development. Reading plays such an important role in building community, it helps us understand other perspectives, reflect on our own experiences and gives kids a way to explore questions or see themselves in new stories. If this event can offer people access to books for any of those reasons, or simply spark a love of reading, then it is absolutely worth continuing year after year.
Considering our libraries, why is it important to you that families own books at home?
Gordon: I love the idea of people having books they can keep, cherish and share with friends and family. Libraries are indispensable, they offer incredible access and resources. But owning books adds something special, it allows families to reread favorites, build home libraries and create a daily culture of reading.
Could you share a meaningful moment from the book fair?
Urnise: There were so many people who were just amazed that everything was literally free. It was so great to hear young kids ask if they could take more books and the only answer was, “Yes!”
A warm invitation from the Free-for-all Book Fair
“Not only are all the books completely free, but we have something for every age and every interest, fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, travel books, and so many popular titles. It’s the perfect place to discover holiday gifts or find new reads to take home. We hope everyone will come and be part of it!”
The group also shares that there will be storytellers, local librarians and Heeling Partners therapy dogs, who help children learn to read in schools.
Last year, the fair welcomed around 1,500 people of all ages. This year, this group of volunteers invites you to enjoy an afternoon full of books, community and fun, and to help double that number. Bring your bag so you can take home as many books as you’d like.