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Book Fairs

Page history last edited by Jacque E. Peterson 10 years, 8 months ago

Book fairs are a way to promote interest in reading and also provide a way to raise funds for your library. In this section we have included some tips for planning a book fair as well as sources and resources.

 

Planning for a Book Fair

 

  • Begin planning early
  • Be flexible on dates; be sure to check school calendar for major events, class trips, testing
  • Consider scheduling the fair before Christmas, near Young Readers Day (November), National Library Week (April), Children's Book Week (May) or some other special event
  • Check with possible vendors
  • Talk with other librarians about book fairs
  • Select books for the book fair
  • Assemble a packet of information for parents to distribute one week before the fair. Include a cover letter explaining the fair, price list of books, and schedule.
  • Promote the fair through posters, contests (e.g. coloring contests, book mark design, book jacket design, reviews of books, poster design), information to parents, teachers, students, radio and newspapers; involve art classes if possible
  • Recruit parents for help with the fair; 2 hour shifts are suggested
  • Plan the fair in an area where it can remain set up
  • Schedule visits to the fair

 

During the Fair

 

  • Provide a cash box with plenty of change
  • Include a calculator with checkout materials
  • Provide receipts
  • Set up a checkout table near the door
  • Consider stamping books that have been purchased

 

Commercial Companies Providing Books for Book Fairs

 

Bookstore

 

  • Barnes and Noble (Limited, contact the Barnes and Noble Community Relations Manager Renee Sands for options)  crm2784@bn.com

 

 

Non-local

Scholastic Book Fairs (http://www.scholastic.com/bookfairs/ )

 

 

Resources for Planning Book Fairs

  • "Book Fairs: Fun & Funds," Elementary School Librarian's Desk Reference. pp. 9.27.
  • Library Talk March/April 1991. Issue on Book Fairs. pp. 1, 5, 8.
  • Book fair providers often supply planning kits for book fairs including posters and other promotional materials.

 

Book Fair Checklist and Timeline 1

 

6-9 Months Before the Fair

  • Select dates
  • Contact a book fair company
  • Set dates

 

1 Month Before the Fair

  • Prepare posters
  • Schedule classes for visits
  • Recruit volunteers

 

1 Week Before the Fair

  • Start publicity
  • Distribute schedule
  • Inform parents
  • Remind volunteers

 

1 Day Before the Fair

  • Volunteer schedule starts today
  • Set up tables
  • Arrange items
  • Obtain receipts, cash box, change
  • Include a calculator
  • Remove unacceptable books
  • Verify prices

 

Day of the Fair

  • Prepare for volunteers
  • Check details
  • Enjoy the fair

 


1. Based on Annette Thibodeau’s “A Checklist for Book Fairs”, Library Talk March/April, 1991.

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