[LM_NET] Scholastic bookfairs- LONG (sorry!)

[Michele Nokleby <mnokleby@GMAIL.COM>]

I had to speak out on this topic, since most of the posts have been quite
negative.  I would hate for any new librarians to get the idea that a
bookfair isn't worth the trouble.  In the 15 years I've been doing them, I
have yet to find any reason for complaint. On the contrary, I find I have
nothing but praise for Scholastic in particular as well as the bookfair
concept in general.

I teach in a K-5 school of 370-400 students, over half who qualify for free
or reduced lunch.  Most of my students *have never been to a bookstore*. The
notion that a book is a valued gift and a highly prized possession for their
child is a concept which is new and surprising to many of the parents.

Research has unequivocally shown that book ownership is imperative for
students' development as readers.  To this end I sponsor almost constant
opportunities for students to develop their home libraries.  Three times a
year, we have RIF books, in the spring I have the used books exchange (every
child gets one book, even if they don't have one to trade) Throughout the
year I give books as prizes, and our local used bookstore has been terrific
about extending gift certificates to our spelling bee contestants. AND I
have two Scholastic bookfairs per year (one for profit, one half-price sale)
All of these opportunities for book ownership are anticipated with
eagerness.  All of them are very different experiences.

Students, teachers, and parents love the bookfair.  Yes, they can order
books, but the pleasures of browsing shiny new volumes, agonizing over which
purchase to make, and the satisfaction of having the book in hand available
for instant savoring is a different experience altogether.

The bookfair allows for parents to linger in the library, thereby building a
sense of school community. They have the opportunity to chat with other
parents, as well as their children and myself about books.  These wonderful
conversations wouldn't happen otherwise. The students also have the chance
to share the excitement with one another.  I pair older students with the
little ones to "window shop".  The little ones then choose a book or two and
find a corner to read with their "book buddy".  Teaching older students how
to share satisfying reading experiences with little ones is an incredibly
important life skill that I teach explicitly.

Students also develop a sense of ownership over the library collection.  I
tell them to select what books should be added to the collection, and start
a shelf of those future library books.  If they can't wait, I often catalog
the coveted item with a temporary record, so I can get the book into the
child's hands without delay.

I love the DVD Scholastic produces each year featuring delightful author and
illustrator interviews, and engaging booktalks. Scholastic offers an
excellent selection of high-quality books, and they are wonderful about
sending large quantites of any title that the kids are really enthused
about.  When I call for more, the books usually arrive by Federal Express
the very next day.  They also send some things that I don't put out- either
because I have a personal bias (I really hate advertising for TV shows or
products that are masquerading as books!) Or, in the case of some toys and
trinkets, I think that they will break too easily.

It's worth noting that all of the toys and trinkets are at least loosely
based on the idea of encouraging literary pursuits.  There are instructions
to be read, Journals to be written in, field guides to accompany toy
animals, and so forth.  With reluctant readers especially, these products
are very appealing, and serve as stepping stones to further reading and
inquiry.

Scholastic also puts together generous and flexible school profit options.
The credit I receive is a substantial.  I am fortunate to have a healthy
book budget, so I don't need to run a bookfair to stock my shelves.  This
allows me to provide bookfair "gift certificates" to students whose parents
can't or won't purchase them a book.   Scholastic is also very accommodating
financially.  I have never had to inventory the selection, and have never
been questioned about the inevitable "shrinkage" that occurs whenever you
mix highly appealing items with large numbers of children.  I think they
have earned applause rather than scorn for levying a 30 dollar fuel fee this
year.  They could have easily just reworked the profit share or raised
prices instead.  I find the honesty refreshing, and frankly, we ALL need to
become a little more aware of how our dependence on petroleum is impacting
every aspect of our culture.




-- 
Michele Nokleby
Hawthorne Elementary School Librarian
Missoula, MT
mnokleby@gmail.com

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