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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