How many of us remember the excitement of our school book fairs? The thrill of choosing a new book, and, if a little extra money was available, picking out a poster, diary, or an elaborate pen to go along with it.
Delta Elementary School held its semiannual book fair last week, giving students and parents an opportunity to browse the library shelves for that special book or two. But the fair offers more than the excitement of finding a new favorite read. It also helps strengthen the school library’s collection and supports several reading programs.
Proceeds from the sales help purchase materials for Battle of the Books, provide prizes for reading quizzes, and replenish the library’s birthday book corner.
“We make approximately 38 to 45 percent of our sales,” said librarian Lisa Harris. “I can claim a combination of cash and what is called Scholastic Dollars.”
The cash proceeds help pay for Battle of the Books materials and prizes for reading quizzes. Scholastic Dollars, meanwhile, can be redeemed through the Scholastic Dollars catalog for additional books and library supplies.
The school also holds a spring book fair, but Harris has a special purpose for the proceeds from that event: filling the library’s birthday book corner.
Harris uses the money to purchase a variety of books for students from prekindergarten through fifth grade. During their birthday week, students can browse the collection and choose a book to take home as their own.
“I purchase a variety of books, and sometimes two or more of a particular title I know is popular,” Harris explained. “We want our children to read, and this way, they can pick out a book they want to read.”
The book fair also offers students a chance to win something extra.
“I have three book bags set out for each grade,” Harris said. “Every time a child comes in and makes a purchase, their name goes in a jar. And if they bring a parent or guardian, they also can add an additional chance to the jar.”
Each bag contains four books and bookmarks. The drawings will be held after the fair closes.
Although the in-person event has ended, the online book fair remains open through Oct. 22, giving families additional time to make purchases.
Harris said Delta Elementary has historically done well with its book fairs, and Scholastic has even sent the school additional materials for the current year. Although sales are down a little this year, Harris said she is not discouraged.
“We are still selling books, and students are still reading,” she said with a smile.
Scholastic is the world’s largest book fair company, reaching students in more than 135 countries. Its book fair operation expanded in 1981 when Scholastic Corporation acquired California Book Fairs. Today, the company holds more than 100,000 book fairs annually, reaching an estimated 30 million students from preschool through ninth grade.
Harris said the school continues to work with Scholastic in part because the company does not charge shipping fees, an important consideration when managing costs in Alaska. Families who would still like to purchase books can find the online book fair link on the Delta Elementary Library Facebook page or visit directly at :https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/deltajunctionelementarysch
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