Book Fair Planning Tips

Book Fair Companies Scholastic Book Fairs Junior Editions Barnes and Noble

One month before: Schedule volunteers - primary grade students need the most help Copy “wish lists” forms at Print Shop - fill in student name and teacher

One month before: Request a sampling of titles to booktalk and/or display

One month before: Begin posting notices in school newsletter

One month before: Visit Scholastic’s Book Fair website for decorating ideas, forms to download, more tips www.scholastic.com/bookfairs/chair

Two weeks before: Post flyers around the building with dates Set-up a display in a showcase or a bulletin board

One week before: Obtain $100 in petty cash 1 roll of dimes 2 rolls each of pennies, nickels, quarters 1 roll of dimes 3 - $5.00 bills 3 - $10.00 bills 25 - $1.00 bills

One week before: Borrow tape adding machine from front office Locate a cash box

Nice to have . . . Create a reorder form for popular titles - have Print Shop copy onto carbonless paper

Nice to have . . . Self inking stamps Last Copy - Not for Sale - See Cashier to Order Book Fair - to stamp on the memo line of checks

Extra supplies . . . Pens and pencils Sticky notes Soda boxes/paper box lids to hold wish lists for the day or extra supplies

When the book fair is set-up . . . Check over titles - remove inappropriate ones Highlight titles received on master list - keep master list by cashier

When the book fair is set-up . . . Hold a staff preview party - with snacks! Encourage staff to create wish lists for parents to buy books for classrooms.

During the book fair . . . Have all classes browse before any purchases are made Encourage parents to shop or send in a check with the order in a sealed envelope

During the book fair . . . Place a note on the last copy of popular titles

During the book fair . . . Secure money frequently Move slow moving titles to eye level Recommend titles as alternatives to popular ones

More tips . . . Consider NOT sending home the book fair newsletter

More tips . . . Have extended hours for working parents Provide snacks for volunteers Send volunteers a hand-written thank you note at the end of the fair

Have fun!!!

Thank You . . . Dawne Royo, Media Specialist, Tridelphia Ridge Elementary School, for allowing me to use and revise your presentation.