Annual Book Fair
- What
- Annual Book Fair
- When
- 2/4/2028, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
The school library hosts the annual Scholastic Book Fair featuring a wide selection of books for all ages and interests. Students and families can browse and purchase books supporting literacy and reading engagement while benefiting the school library.
**Event Details:**
- **Where:** School Library
- **Hours:** 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM daily, plus evening family nights
- **Family Nights:** Tuesday Feb 27 and Thursday Feb 29, 5:00-7:30 PM
- **Coordinator:** Head Librarian Ms. Helen Zhang
## Book Selection (500+ titles)
**Fiction for All Ages:**
- Popular series (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, etc.)
- Award-winning novels (Newbery, Caldecott winners)
- Contemporary young adult fiction
- Classic children's literature
- Graphic novels and manga (150+ titles)
- Chapter books for emerging readers
**Non-Fiction:**
- Biography and memoir
- Science and nature (space, animals, environment)
- History and social studies
- Sports and hobbies
- Arts and crafts
- Cooking and recipes
- Technology and coding
**Educational Materials:**
- Activity books and workbooks
- Educational games and puzzles
- Posters and charts
- Bookmarks, journals, reading accessories
**Special Collections:**
- Teacher wishlist books for classroom libraries
- Diverse authors and characters
- STEM-themed books
- Books in Spanish and other languages
## Pricing
- Books range $3-$25
- Average book price: $8-$12
- Scholastic Dollars earned: For every $1 spent, school earns $0.50 in Scholastic Dollars
- Previous year earnings: $4,200 in Scholastic Dollars used to purchase new library books
## Schedule of Events
**Monday, February 26 - Grand Opening**
- 8:00 AM: Opening ceremony with Principal Dr. Richardson
- All-day browsing for students during free periods, lunch
- Teachers bring classes for browsing sessions (scheduled in advance)
**Tuesday, February 27 - Family Night**
- 5:00-7:30 PM: Families welcome for evening shopping
- Special activities: Author visit, book reading, bookmark craft
- Refreshments: Coffee, cookies provided by Parent Association
- Face painting for children
- Expected attendance: 200 families
**Wednesday, February 28 - Buddy Reading Day**
- Upper elementary students read to younger buddies
- Book recommendations shared between grade levels
- Display of student book reviews and recommendations
**Thursday, February 29 - Family Night #2**
- 5:00-7:30 PM: Evening shopping
- Activities: Book bingo, storytelling, character dress-up photo booth
- Door prize drawings every 30 minutes
- Author Skype visit with children's book author at 6:00 PM
**Friday, March 1 - Final Day**
- Last chance shopping
- 2:00 PM: Book Fair closes
- Winners of reading challenges announced
## Student Shopping
**Classroom Visits:**
- Teachers schedule 30-minute browsing sessions for their classes
- Library transformed into bookstore atmosphere
- Students create wishlists to share with families
- Preview books before family night purchases
**Payment Options:**
- Cash or check
- Credit/debit cards accepted
- Online ordering available (book.scholastic.com/bookfairs)
- Gift certificates available for purchase
**All Students Welcome:**
- No purchase required to browse and enjoy
- Free bookmarks and posters for all visitors
- Library creates inclusive, pressure-free environment
## Special Programs
**Author Visit - Tuesday 6:30 PM**
Guest author Marcus Johnson (award-winning children's book author) presents:
- Reading from his latest book
- Q&A about writing process
- Book signing (books available for purchase)
- Writing tips for aspiring young authors
- Meet-and-greet with students
**Reading Incentive Challenges:**
- "Guess How Many Books" contest - Win $25 book fair gift certificate
- "Build Your Home Library" challenge - Every book purchased = entry to win grand prize
- "Book Recommendations" - Students write reviews, displayed at fair
**Book Donation Program:**
- "Buy One, Share One" - Purchase extra book to donate to classroom library
- 50 books donated last year through this program
- Recognition for donors on library wall
## Family Night Activities (Tuesday & Thursday, 5:00-7:30 PM)
**For Children:**
- Face painting by parent volunteers
- Bookmark craft station
- Storytime corner (readings every 30 minutes)
- Character dress-up photo booth (costumes provided)
- Book-themed games and activities
- Coloring station
**For Families:**
- Comfortable browsing in extended hours
- Staff recommendations and guidance
- Teacher wishlists displayed (support classroom libraries)
- Information about summer reading programs
- Free coffee and cookies (Parent Association)
**Door Prize Drawings:**
- Entry with each purchase
- Prizes drawn every 30 minutes
- Grand prize: $50 book fair gift certificate
- Other prizes: Books, reading accessories, gift cards
## Volunteer Opportunities
30 parent volunteers needed throughout week:
- Help students find books
- Process payments
- Organize and restock displays
- Supervise activities during family nights
- Set up and take down fair
- Face painting and craft stations
Sign up through Parent Association. Volunteers receive 20% discount on personal purchases.
## Benefits to School Library
**Scholastic Dollars Earned:**
- School earns 50% of sales in Scholastic Dollars
- Last year: $8,400 in sales = $4,200 in Scholastic Dollars
- Scholastic Dollars purchase new library books, materials, programs
**Library Wishlist:**
- Ms. Zhang creates wishlist of high-priority books for library
- Families can directly purchase books as donations
- Donor names placed inside donated books
- 85 books added to library collection last year through donations
**Community Building:**
- Brings families to campus
- Celebrates literacy and reading
- Strengthens school-home connection
- Shows students that books are valued
## Literacy Impact
**Reading Engagement:**
Book fairs increase reading engagement and motivation. Students who select their own books are more likely to read them. Ownership of books supports literacy development.
**Home Libraries:**
Building home libraries crucial for reading development. Students with books at home read more and perform better academically.
**Reading as Gift:**
Grandparents and relatives can purchase books as gifts, supporting literacy while connecting with children's interests.
## Online Shopping
Can't attend in person? Shop online!
- Visit fair website (link provided via school email)
- Browse entire selection
- Books shipped to school for free pickup
- Purchases still benefit school through Scholastic Dollars
- Online fair open extended time (Feb 20 - March 8)
## Teacher Wishlists
Each teacher creates wishlist of books needed for classroom library. Families can:
- View wishlists displayed at book fair
- Purchase books for specific teachers/classrooms
- Support classroom reading programs
- Receive thank-you note from teacher and class
Popular items on wishlists: High-interest books, diverse authors, multiple copies of popular titles, non-fiction for research.
## Accessibility and Inclusion
- Books at various price points ($3-$25)
- Free activities for all students
- No purchase required to participate in activities
- Diverse books featuring various cultures, identities, experiences
- Books in languages beyond English
- Financial assistance available (confidential - contact Ms. Zhang)
Ensuring all students feel welcome and included, regardless of family financial situation.
## Student Book Reviews
Students submit book reviews displayed at fair:
- "Must Read" recommendations
- "If you liked ___, try ___" suggestions
- Reviews written on colorful cards
- Student reviewers receive special recognition
- Helps other students discover books
50+ student reviews displayed, helping peers find great reads.
## Photos and Memories
- Professional photos during author visit
- Family photos at character dress-up booth
- Photos shared on school website and social media (#HamiltonPrepBookFair)
- Create lasting memories around books and reading
## After the Book Fair
- Thank you to all supporters and volunteers
- Announcement of total sales and Scholastic Dollars earned
- New library books purchased with earnings (students vote on selections)
- Planning begins for next year's fair
## Book Fair History
- Annual tradition since 1992
- Has provided over $75,000 in Scholastic Dollars to library over the years
- Thousands of books in students' homes from fair purchases
- Beloved event creating positive associations with reading
## Impact Quotes
"My daughter was so excited to pick her own books. She's been reading non-stop since the fair!" - Parent
"I love seeing students excited about books. Book Fair week is always special." - Ms. Zhang, Librarian
"I got three books I really wanted, and Mom let me pick one for my teacher's class library too!" - Third grade student
## Get Involved
Support the Book Fair:
- Shop during the week
- Attend family nights
- Volunteer to help
- Donate books to classroom libraries
- Share book recommendations
- Spread the word to families
Every purchase supports literacy, builds home libraries, and benefits our school library. The gift of reading lasts a lifetime!