Hallett Elementary School meets goal for annual book fair

Hallett Elementary School once again held their annual book fair, sponsored by Scholastic Books, March 3-7.

Diana Jones, the head library tech for Hallett said the fair helps the school purchase more books for the library's shelves.

Jones added that the book fair also gives Hallett students a chance to look at titles and materials they would not normally have access to because they live in a remote community.

"It's an opportunity to bring the bookstore to kids," Jones said. "They get really excited about it."

The goal for this year's book fair was 1,600 books. Jones said the school exceeded the amount.

According to Jones, many families stopped by the library and purchased books during parent-teacher conferences.

"It's a significant contribution to the library," Jones said.

In addition to purchasing books for their own children, parents purchased and donated books to teachers to fill out wish lists for books to fill shelves in their own classrooms. Jones said that some parents buy their kids books as a way to congratulate them on for the positive feedback they get from their teachers during conferences.

Sharon Spilker came to the book fair with her granddaughter Emily Killian while Emily's mother was at her sister Lilly's conference. She has been coming to Hallet's book fair since her own children were in school.

"I think it's a good idea," Spilker said. "It raises money for the school and it gives families something to do during conferences."

Leah Carl, who is a substitute for para educators, volunteers as a cashier at the fair. Carl said parents use reading as an incentive to purchase the book for their kids.

"I've heard lots of adults say 'If you read this to me, I'll buy you this book,'"

Carl said. "It's a fair trade and a win-win situation for them."

Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.