There are some things that run on autopilot in Dayton- like our inability to separate ourselves from the Wright Brothers and our propensity for passing Sinclair levies- despite the fact that they have no debt and have campuses in three other counties that pay no tax.

The Planned Parenthood bookfair was another Dayton institution- one that for 44 years raised a bunch of money from PP. But, apparently, as Planned Parenthood came under attack- they also stopped being grateful for the work and sweat volunteers, mostly blue haired folks, put into selling books to raise money for their cause. Apparently, it wasn’t enough money to make a difference anymore- and so, lo and behold, the people who ran the fair decided to continue the tradition to support some other worthwhile charities.

So the sign in my garage that simply says “Bookfair, 2nd weekend in November” is still true- but the names of the beneficiaries are now different. (full disclosure- my firm, The Next Wave, did some printing for the Bookfair)

Each year, 4 local charities will get a piece of the revenue- this year it’s The Human Race Theatre Co, House of Bread Community Kitchen, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, and Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm.

For those of you who don’t know about the Bookfair it is the largest in Ohio. 50 tons of books, or around 100,000 titles, sorted into 50 separate categories, plus collectibles.

They also have an amazing selection of recorded music and movies and three pallets full of puzzles and games.
The collectibles this year, a bird book from the collection of John H. Patterson (with his signature), a book signed by President Lyndon Johnson, the autographed autobiography of aviator Douglas “wrong-way” Corrigan, a great collection of titles from the London Folio Society, bird field guides from all over the world, a collection of film books from a retired WSU film professor, a whole set of first editions by Arthur Ransome, an extensive collection of metaphysical religious books from the 1930s through the 1970s, and a wonderful collection of military history from the estate of Gil Unger, Dayton native and veteran from the World War II’s 90th Infantry Division.

Regular titles include a huge selection of books on cooking, writing, gardening, mysteries, the holidays, homeschooling, children’s books, vintage books, art and theater and anything else you can imagine.
It started today Friday, November 13 at 9 a.m. (Friday only there is an admission charge of $10).

The silent auction runs between Friday morning and Saturday evening at 6 p.m.

Sunday is “Bag Day” where you can fill a grocery bags with books for $7.50, tax included.

This is the first time it will continue for  a fourth day with the “Monday Morning Clean Sweep”  8 a.m. to noon on Monday, November 16, pay $1 and take all the books you want!
The bookfair is going on now at the Coliseum Building at Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Parking is free and they have shopping carts, and accept cash, check, plastic and Apple Pay.

They will choose new recipients for the 2016 Fair over the winter, if an organization would like to be considered for next year, they may write the bookfair  a letter telling them about their group and how the funds would be used, no later than December 31, 2015. Letters can be sent to The Book Fair Foundation, 2181 Embury Park Rd, Dayton, OH 45414.  More information at daytonbookfair.com

They are also looking for new volunteers to join this non-profit organization, so if you love to read- and want to help local charities, consider joining the Foundation.