Book Fairs can be a crazy time for librarians. After doing over 30 book fairs in my career so far, I have developed a system that helps things running smoothly! It’s still a crazy, hectic time, don’t get me wrong. But at least now it seems manageable! Here are some tricks that I thought I would share to help you during your book fair time!
To-Do List
Every year I tried to remember everything that needed to get done. I started writing each step down in a to-do list, and over the years it grew. Now, I just have to print it and check things off as I do them. Easy-peasy!
Decorations
Scholastic usually has a theme to follow, but sometimes I veer off course a bit and choose my own theme. In the past, I would spend TONS Of time creating signage and decorations. I still create some items, but recently I found a HUGE TIMESAVER! Did you know that you can find ready-made backdrops on Amazon.com?! Most run around $15-$30 which is well worth the money in my opinion. Plus, unlike decorations you make by hand, these can be folded up and saved easily in a storage box for another time. Here are a couple of my entrances using these backdrops!
Forms
Scholastic provides many forms that you can use in their resources, but I would often find something that I needed to change or add. So I started creating my own forms to use during my bookfairs. Here are a couple that I have created:
Poster Numbers: I cut these out and put them in the corner of the display posters. Then I put a corresponding number on the poster storage box dividers Then students just have to tell me the poster number they want, and I pull the correct poster.
Last Copy & Hold Forms: I have my student leaders tape “Last Copy Forms” on the backs of a stack of books. Then I have my volunteers (if I’m lucky enough to have any) write in the title and price of the book. I used to do the ISBN numbers, but that doesn’t always show up in Scholastic’s system when you call for a restock order. The “Hold Forms” I use for students who come but don’t have quite enough money to pay for their books. I tell them I will hold their books for one day.
Estimation Forms: I have used an Estimation game for students to earn a chance to win a gift certificate to shop at the bookfair. All you have to do is pick an item that matchs the theme. For instance, shells for a beach theme, mini-dinosaurs for a dinosaur theme, etc. If families purchased books for a teacher, they would get to fill out the Support Form and I would display them by the registers.
Price/Tax Forms: Getting asked, “How much does this cost?” is a normal occurrence during Book Fair week. To help cut down on some of those questions, I created tax signs. I copied them on green cardstock and then laminated them. This way I am able to reuse them for each bookfair.
Preview Schedule: I’ve done previews two different ways. Sometimes I scheduled homeroom classes to pick a 10-15 minute time to come down to preview the book fair. Now I’m part of the Special’s rotation. So, I have each special’s class bring their group to the library for a 10-15 minute period. It’s a crazy hectic day, but I get the whole school through the preview in one day. 🙂
Student Wish List Forms: I love Scholastic’s Wish List forms, but I always had to add info about making sure that parent checks included Driver’s License # and phone numbers so I decided to make up my own version.
Gift Certificate Forms: I always try to save Scholastic profit points from my previous bookfairs to use for book giveaways. I ask teachers for suggestions on students who should win. These could go to students who have made great improvements to their reading or students who may not have the money to buy books. I announce the names each morning, and give away $10 to one student in each grade level each day.
Sales Tracking Forms: I’m a data person and like to compare the current year to previous year’s sales. So I created these forms to keep track of each day’s sales. The final sales form can be used to fill out the financial form on Scholastic’s website when your fair is complete.
If you are interested in some of my other binders that I use in the library, you can read my blog post here!
I hope you find them useful!
3 Responses to “Book Fair Time!”
Kristin
Hey,
I am new to the library. So excited!! Your blog is going to be a blessing to me this year and many more I am sure! Book fairs – how many do you plan a year and what times during the year!! I can tell that your library is the best place in your school. The kids must love being there. That’s what I want!
Hi Kristin,
I’m glad you’re finding my blog helpful. 🙂 As far as Book fairs go, I usually have 2 (one in the Fall and one in the Spring). I try to connect our Fall one to our Thanksgiving lunch where the parents all come to our school…it’s usually the week or two before our week off for Thanksgiving break. Then I do another one in the spring, usually at the beginning of May, with the focus on finding books for their summer reading wishlist. I hope this helps! 🙂
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Hey,
I am new to the library. So excited!! Your blog is going to be a blessing to me this year and many more I am sure! Book fairs – how many do you plan a year and what times during the year!! I can tell that your library is the best place in your school. The kids must love being there. That’s what I want!
Hi Kristin,
I’m glad you’re finding my blog helpful. 🙂 As far as Book fairs go, I usually have 2 (one in the Fall and one in the Spring). I try to connect our Fall one to our Thanksgiving lunch where the parents all come to our school…it’s usually the week or two before our week off for Thanksgiving break. Then I do another one in the spring, usually at the beginning of May, with the focus on finding books for their summer reading wishlist. I hope this helps! 🙂