You know librarians are some of the most likely people to hoard books? That’s why it’s a delight when we get to host temporary book stores in our libraries. They’re the beloved Scholastic Book Fairs!
I happen to be fortunate enough to have a school/neighborhood parent who LOVES putting on the book fair. And I mean PUT ON from the beginning; concept to Pinterest board posting to decoration to volunteer acquisition. The decor is extravagant and detailed and color coordinated and I keep it around for months after the sale.
The community shows up for their students, particularly during the Grandparents Day, which was yesterday and I manage the website and social media account so I get to take all kinds of photos. The sight of an older person leaning over to gently lead, or be led by their grandchild 
is beautiful.
The Scholastic Book Fair has so many great deals on paperback books, and an equal number of sparkly overpriced journals that draw the attention of young customers…particularly the young girls, and I work to divert the kids from the junk corner. I tell the kids to expect the items to last from 2 days to two weeks. I am constantly working to promote reading so why would that change in what is essentially a book store. I actually told one of my students today “I will not let you buy this chocolate calculator. ”
I already heard the complaints of a student who bought the mini chocolate calculator: “It doesn’t smell like chocolate, the keys are too small and it was overpriced.”
‘Yes,” I agreed, “that is a bummer.” You don’t go to a seafood restaurant and order spaghetti and meatballs. You don’t go to a book fair and buy cute office supplies.
Anyway, it’s been fun and I’ve been teaching outside of the library and leaving my water and laptop and books behind in random classrooms but it’s all worth it!! Thank you to Angela Wolverston for all of her time and creativity and time and more time and her n=husband who dressed up as Dogman and ran into walls and couldn’t fit through doorways. AND THANK YOU, FAMILIES, for coming! And getting books into children’s excited hands!
The book fair is usually the largest source of income for the library but during this budget shortfall year, it is the only one!
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