Middle School Book Fair Inquiry: For those middle schools that hold book fairs what are your current thoughts? Do you do two fairs (one fall, one spring)? Do you do all Scholastic? Have you switched to Riverbend Bookshop?
I am wrapping up my first year in a new position where I inherited the culture of two Scholastic fairs per year (one fall, one BOGO in spring- so you do not make a profit at all). I held one Scholastic Book Fair and switched to Riverbend Bookshop for spring. I am trying to assess and make a plan for next year based on school community interest, feedback, and ease of working with each vendor and book selection. I am conducting a student survey and that's been helpful, too. The book selection was much better with Riverbend bookshop for my strong readers.
Would love to hear other middle school librarian thoughts on where you are at this point with book fairs. Are they still worth it for middle school? Do kids buy books (versus just trinkets)? Is the time and energy worth it? How vested are your teachers in bringing students to the fair? I had a literacy activity for all students to make visits worthwhile for all attendees this spring even for the 10 minute walk through.
Love any and all thoughts!