As a parent, you want to foster a love of reading in your child, and one of the best ways to spark excitement about books is by visiting a school book fair. These events provide an opportunity for children to discover new stories, engage with their peers, and experience the joy of choosing their own books. Plus, book fairs often support school literacy programs, so your purchase helps build a stronger reading community!
Here’s a simple guide to finding and making the most of school book fairs near you:
- How to Find School Book Fairs Near You
- Check Your Child’s School Calendar:
Most schools schedule book fairs at least once or twice a year. Keep an eye on newsletters, emails, and school websites for upcoming events. If you’re not sure, contact your child’s teacher or the school library for details. - Look for Local Community Events:
Some schools partner with organizations like Scholastic to host large book fairs that are open to the community. Search online or check local event boards to see if nearby schools are hosting book fairs that you can attend, even if your child doesn’t go to that school. - Ask Fellow Parents or Teachers:
Word of mouth can be one of the easiest ways to find out about book fairs. Ask other parents, especially if their children attend nearby schools, or chat with teachers to learn about fairs in your area.
2. What to Expect at a Book Fair
- A Variety of Books for All Ages and Interests:
School book fairs usually offer a wide selection of books, including fiction, nonfiction, picture books, chapter books, and graphic novels. There’s something for every reader, whether your child loves dinosaurs, superheroes, mysteries, or poetry. - Exclusive Titles and Discounts:
Book fairs often feature special editions or newly released books that might not be available in stores yet. Plus, you can often find great deals or discounts, making it a perfect time to stock up on books for your home library. - Interactive Events:
Some book fairs include author visits, storytelling sessions, or fun activities that turn the event into a community celebration of reading. Check the schedule of events when planning your visit to make the most of your time there.
3. Making the Most of Your Book Fair Visit
- Talk About Reading Before the Visit:
Before attending the book fair, talk with your child about what kinds of books they might like to explore. Do they want to try a new genre, continue a series they’ve started, or find a book on a topic they’re curious about? This helps guide their choices once they’re browsing. - Set a Budget Together:
Book fairs can be exciting, and children may want to grab every book in sight! Setting a budget beforehand helps them make thoughtful decisions and teaches valuable money-management skills. - Encourage Independent Choices:
Letting your child pick their own books can increase their excitement about reading. Even if they choose something that seems too easy or too challenging, the important thing is that they’re developing autonomy and a personal connection to reading. - Look for Books That Encourage Continued Reading:
Consider choosing a mix of stand-alone titles and books from a series. Series books can be a great motivator for children to keep reading, as they’ll want to see what happens next in the story.
4. Supporting a Lifelong Love of Reading
Visiting book fairs regularly is a great way to keep reading fresh and exciting for your child. You’re not just buying books—you’re investing in their love of learning and creating lasting memories. Many book fairs also donate part of the proceeds to support the school’s library, so your participation helps strengthen the reading culture for all students.
Remember, book fairs aren’t just about the books—they’re about building a positive, enthusiastic attitude toward reading. So find a book fair near you, and let your child dive into the world of stories!
By visiting local school book fairs, you’re helping foster a love for reading while supporting literacy programs in your community. So, mark your calendar for the next one near you and watch your child’s enthusiasm for books grow!
Scholastic Sponsored Book Fairs
Scholastic sponsors many of the local school book fairs. They have a link to look up book fairs in your area.
Visit https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/content/fairs/fair-finder.html To find a Scholastic book fair near you.
