[CALIBK12] HIT: Title I Book Fair (Scholastic)

[Owens, Shaunterria]

I did not receive any responses, BUT I did speak to a very helpful representative from Scholastic. I will share what she told me in relation to the questions I asked:

1) Is it a themed book fair, or like a BOGO (wherein all the materials they send simply say "Come to the Scholastic Book Fair")?

*It is still a themed book fair, but some of the promotion materials are different because the selection of books are different. The chairperson will still receive the toolkit, posters, flyers, etc.

2) Did you receive a percentage of the sales (like a regular fair) or a set voucher amount (like a BOGO)?

*Profits are still allocated the same way: you can choose either a percentage of sales as cash, book profit, or voucher (which they are now calling Scholastic Dollars or some such. Big bonus - you can now spend these vouchers at a Scholastic warehouse and catch all of those excellent sales).

3) Did your students like the selection of books? Did you?

*I cannot speak to this (yet) but I would like to say that one of my biggest complaints about the Scholastic book fair was the dearth of affordable (read: cheap) books for my students. With the Title I fair, an entire case of books will be priced under $5, with plenty of $1 and $2 books being sent as well.  This way everyone that walks into my book fair will be able to walk out with at least one book, and I am competitive with bookstores and other retailers (how many times have I heard "the books are cheaper at Mega-lo Mart" or somesuch). 

4) Would you do it again (ie. was it worth your time and effort)?

*Obviously, I cannot answer this question yet, but I will say that I expect to make the same, if not more, money. I believe parents will spend more if they believe they are getting a good deal.

I hope this helps those still trying to plan events for next year. The book fair is the only fundraiser I do all year, and I believe this Title I fair will be our best ever.


Shaunterria Owens, Library Assistant
Del Rosa Elementary
3395 Mountain Avenue
San Bernardino, CA
909.881.8160
shaunterria.owens at sbcusd.com
DRE Library Event Calendar - http://tiny.cc/f2puk

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