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