NORTHFIELD, MINNESOTA is best-known as the community that, on September 7, 1876, thwarted plans by the James-Younger Gang to rob the First National Bank. Townspeople stood their ground against the outlaws, ending in the deaths of the acting bank cashier, a Swedish immigrant and two of the robbers before the gang fled. Northfield marks the failed bank robbery each September with a Defeat of Jesse James Days celebration. That draws 100,000-plus to this city of some 21,000.
This week the masses will once again descend on this riverside college town, not for a historical occasion, but rather for one of Minnesota’s biggest used book sales, the Great Northfield Minnesota Book Fair. Certainly, crowds will not swell to levels gathered for the historical event in September. But they will be large, as I can attest from shopping past book fairs, although not recently.
The sale, sponsored by the Northfield Hospital Auxiliary, features an estimated 70,000 donated books, musical recordings, games and puzzles filling tables inside the Northfield Ice Arena. The goal is to raise $100,000 “to enhance healthcare in the Northfield Area.” That means funding special projects at the local hospital and clinics, supporting local health organizations and offering health education scholarships. The book fair began in 1961 and in 2018 hit $1 million in total sales.
Doors for this year’s sale open at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, closing for the day at 9 p.m.. The fair continues until Saturday, April 26, with the following hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Friday is half-price day. Saturday is $5 bag day until 12:30 p.m. From 1-3 p.m. Saturday everything is free. Yes, free.
Shopping this book fair almost leaves you feeling like you’re robbing the bank given the reasonable prices. Base prices for paperbacks are $1 and for hardcovers, $2, according to the Book Fair website. Of course, some are priced higher depending on rarity or newness. Musical offerings will cost a few bucks. Puzzles and games are priced around $5.
I’ve never shopped the first, or even the second or third, day of the sale. I suppose I’ve missed out by waiting, especially when looking for children’s books. But, hey, with a starting inventory of 70,000, it takes a while for the supply to diminish. There’s still plenty for people to haul out (and they do, by the wagon and box loads) during Saturday’s two-hour freebie close-out.
Some 300 volunteers sort through donations, set up and run the sale in the sprawling ice arena with books separated into more than two dozen categories. The organization and efficiency are truly something to behold. The sheer size of this book fair is overwhelming. But then again, Northfield is a city that values books, knowledge and learning, as evidenced by its two liberal arts colleges, an independent bookstore, an engaged public library and an active writing community, especially of poets. That Northfield hosts one of Minnesota’s biggest book fairs should come as no surprise. This is a community which embraces books, and stands up to bank robbers.
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I love book fairs, especially used book sales!
They’re pretty wonderful, aren’t they?
Indeed they are.
ooh, I love book fairs, and you’re right, the prices are a ‘steal.’ it reminds me of the feeling you get in those dreams where you find coins and stuff them in your pocket and keep finding more and have no more room to carry them….)
I’ve never found coins in my dreams, but would like to do so. I went to the Book Fair last evening shortly after it opened since I was in the area for Bible study. The ice arena was packed. With books and shoulder-to-shoulder people. I was totally overwhelmed sensory-wise. After about a half hour, I had to get out of there. But not before finding a world atlas and geography book for my 6-year-old grandson and a Minnesota places and Minnesota photography book for myself. I won’t go on opening night again.
oh, they’ll love those treasures! oh, yes, that must have been a lot of overload for sure. I often love the last night when you can get a bagful for a low price
When I’ve gone, it’s always been on the last day, a bag for $5. But this year, since I was in the area, I thought I’d go on opening day. I did get some good books. If I returned on Saturday, I bet I’d find more.
the good thing is that you found some treasures and knew your limits
Exactly!
I hope to go to the sale tomorrow or Friday…to see what’s left. It is a good fundraiser. We like to donate books too…
You should have plenty to choose from as the ice arena was packed with books (and people) when I shopped Tuesday evening. The crowd was too much for me to handle, meaning I would have shopped longer, but…
Glad I have a truck! I would need it to haul books, (need a bigger library also). I also weep for some of the tomes I have given away. Learn to read, read often to learn and to enjoy, read stories to children of all ages and to those who are now unable to even turn a page. We need to read to those who can’t. This is a skill we should share with others.
Gunny, this is great advice, especially the part of reading to those who can no longer turn a page.