[LM_NET] Scholastic Book Fairs

[Roberta Cole Lader <rlader@COX.NET>]

I'm in sympathy with Meg Hawkins.  For a long time, I compromised by just
not putting out much of the non-book inventory they sent, and asking for
their "bargain" packs.  When this became too difficult, I found myself a
local book fair that runs things with an eye to supporting all children's
quality reading rather than directing them to TV and game tie-ins, journals,
and non-book items.  While their fairs aren't quite as "easy" as
Scholastic's, there's much compensation in the fact that I enjoy the fair,
can be very enthusiastic about it, and I know that almost every child can
benefit.

 

I also have a couple of benevolent donors who give me $50-$100 to use for
children who couldn't otherwise afford to buy.  I call our program "book
angels," and it has brought much happiness to our less-affluent children.

 

I haven't tried a local bookstore fair yet, but I often have offers.  I also
have done Usborne book fairs with our local rep, and those have gone well.

 

Scholastic used to be a much more responsive company than they are now.
They've become so big and so much of a monopoly, and I think that they are
satisfied that their format makes them profitable.  Unfortunately that puts
them out of touch with the needs of children and their parents and schools.

 

Roberta Cole Lader

Librarian

St. Louis School

Alexandria, VA

rlader@cox.net

 


--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
  You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
  by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET  2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
 3) SET LM_NET MAIL  4) SET LM_NET DIGEST  * Allow for confirmation.
 * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
 * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
 * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://lm-net.info/
 * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
 * LM_NET Wiki: http://lmnet.wikispaces.com/
--------------------------------------------------------------------