HHFB Names 40th Annual Community Book Fair to Honor Bob Hammel

This year’s community book fair is getting a new name.  Hoosier Hills Food Bank will host the “40th Anniversary Bob Hammel Community Book Fair” at the Monroe County Fairgrounds on October 17-22.

Hammel, a local sportswriting legend and sixteen-time Indiana Sportswriter of the Year, has been a long-time supporter of both HHFB and the Book Fair and this year’s event will feature his donation of over 2,500 items from his personal collection of books and memorabilia.  An extensive collection of books covering many different sports including IU sports and the Olympics, Indiana history, US History, Journalism and other topics will be available for book fair guests to purchase along with items of memorabilia from Hammel’s long career.

“We are so honored that Bob has entrusted us with the responsibility of offering his amazing collection to the public.  People will have a unique opportunity to claim a piece of Indiana sports history at this year’s book fair and to choose from an extensive collection of well-curated books on all sorts of topics, all while supporting the food bank,” said HHFB CEO Julio Alonso.

In a first, the 40th annual book fair will kick off with a preview reception to honor Hammel on the evening before it opens.  A program begins at 6pm and former Herald-Times Editor Bob Zaltsberg will emcee the event, and speakers will include representatives from IU Athletics, local best-selling author Michael Koryta, Cook Group President Pete Yonkman, and Karen Knight, widow of Hammel’s long-time friend, Coach Bob Knight. The reception will also offer a glimpse at the many items that will be available for purchase at the book fair.  There is a $20 suggested donation for the reception which will be applied to the Opening Day admission fee.  Attendance will be limited, and no sales will be made.

"An honor like this in association with an annual community event I genuinely cherish frankly overwhelms me,” said Hammel.  “I made it plain in several late-career columns how much I valued and treasured the rescue Julio and the Food Bank organization pulled off when the original Book Fair sponsors felt they had to pull out. Annually, I have left there with boxes full of bargain buys and then spent winter, spring and summer nights reading those treasures. My admiration at every Book Fair went beyond the sponsors to the staff of volunteer workers who always seemed to treasure the event as much as I did. Year after year, many of the same faces and always some new ones have been there, helping all of us. Much -- honestly, a figure maybe into four figures -- of my library donation is books returning 'home,' books in superb condition that I brought home from previous Book Fairs. This chance to give back, in support of so noble and needed a cause, is the only way parting with such a prized collection could be so regret-free."

In addition to featuring Hammel’s collection and two buildings filled with gently used books, movies, music, puzzles, games and collectibles carefully sorted into categories, this year’s fair includes a large selection of music on CD from artists worldwide, an extensive selection of early classical music on CDs and a large number of country music LPs in the media section.  As usual, the fair will feature a Better Books area with rare and collectible books along with large Children’s and Horror/Sci Fi sections.

This year HHFB will again team up with Constellation Stage to promote their community access ticket initiative and an upcoming show.  On Saturday, the first 50 kids attending the book fair will receive a free copy of “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs”, which Constellation is performing October 25-November 10.

Most books are priced $1-$3 with Better Books and some other items priced individually.  Snacks including Chocolate Moose ice cream will be available daily and food trucks will be present on limited days.  There is a $10 admission charge for Opening Day, however veterans and active-duty military are admitted free for Veteran’s Appreciation Day, which will also feature representatives from Monroe County Veteran’s Services to provide veterans support.  The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce will help celebrate the 40th Anniversary with a ribbon cutting just before 9am on October 17. All other days of the book fair offer free admission.

Sunday kicks off the first of three bargain days with everything half-price and is also Heroes Day with firefighters from the Monroe Fire Protection District on hand with their truck.  Monday guests can fill bags for $10 and Better Books bags for $20.  On Tuesday, the final day, books will be $5 per bag with Better Books closed.

Book fair attendees are encouraged to bring a canned food donation for HHFB and receive a dollar off “Book Buck” coupon.

Book Fair Schedule:
Wednesday, October 16 - 5-7pm: Special Preview & Reception Honoring Bob Hammel (no sales) $20 suggested donation will count toward your opening day admission cost.  Light refreshments and program at 6pm with speakers including IU Athletics representatives, Bob Zaltsberg, Michael Koryta, Pete Yonkman, and Karen Knight.
Thursday, October 17 – 9am-7pm: Opening Day/Veteran’s Appreciation Day - $10 Admission –
Veterans admitted free, Monroe County Veterans Services Office on site.
Friday, October 18 – 9am-7pm: FREE Admission
Saturday, October 19 – 9am-6pm: FREE Admission – Constellation Partnership Day – Free copy
of “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs” for first 50 kids.
Sunday, October 20 – 9am-6pm: FREE Admission, Half-price Day – Heroes Day-Meet Firefighters
Monday, October 21 – 9am-6pm: FREE Admission, $10 Bag Day ($20 Better Books Bags)
Tuesday, October 22 – 9am-6pm: FREE Admission, $5 Bag Day (Better Books Closed)


All proceeds from the book fair support Hoosier Hills Food Bank’s hunger relief programs.  HHFB rescues, collects, purchases and distributes over 5.2 million pounds of food annually through direct service programs and a network of nearly 100 partner agencies in Brown, Lawrence, Orange, Owen, Martin and Monroe counties. 

Gold Level Book Fair Sponsors include the Monroe County Fairgrounds, Kroger, Boston Scientific and Catalent; Corporate Level Sponsors are Southside Rental, Hoosier Energy, Lamar Advertising Company, One World Enterprises, Republic Services, Morgenstern’s Books & Café, Fast Signs, Finney Hospitality Group, Fast Signs and Strauser Construction. Other sponsors are Kritzer Insurance, Monday Morning Book Sorters, Kathy Anderson & Howard Rosenbaum, Monroe Fire Protection District, Chocolate Moose and Bill C. Brown Associates.

Book donations are accepted year-round EXCEPT during October.  We ask that donors hold any book donations from now until AFTER the Book Fair.

For more information visit hhfoodbank.org.