Book fair raises funds for library
For some children, it’s the best time of year again: Scholastic Book Fair season.
At Russellville Middle School, the fair will last Oct. 2-6 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the library. Molly Bates, library media specialist at RMS, said the fair is open to students, parents and the community.
“We are even having a special family night on Tuesday,” she said.
The family night will last from 3:30-6 p.m., and a larger array of products will be available for purchase. Bates said Scholastic has even sent cookbooks and other products to sell on that night that adults can enjoy. Refreshments and door prizes will also be available.
Students had the chance Sept. 28-29 to preview the books that are available for purchase at the fair.
“This fair is really about developing the students’ love of reading and continuing that love, which is why we let them have a few days without all of the novelty and accessory items,” Bates said.
A big draw for the students, according to Bates, is the new “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” book “The Getaway” that they will be able to pre-order at a discount at the fair. If they pre-order the book, the students will receive it on its release date Nov. 7.
While it is a fun time for the students, Bates said this fair is the library’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
“We want to provide a good library program for the students and give them more opportunities,” she said.
The funds from the fair will to go toward new books for the library, painting and updating the library and continuing the Lego wall they have started, she explained.
Students will have a vast array of books to peruse, from mystery to graphic novels to sports guides, not to mention all of the accessories like bookmarks, funky pens and even fidget spinners.
Bates also found a way to include the students by having student volunteers, dubbed “the Crew,” who have helped plan and set up the fair and are also helping run it during the week.
“Our Student Crew is working very hard to put on a great Book Fair event – one that promotes literacy and reading, while at the same time raising money for much-needed school resources,” Bates said.
There is also a chance for fair attendees to help out teachers by buying books from the Classroom Wishlist Program, which Bates said will help build their classroom libraries.
