Enter the Kingdom of Books at elementary school until Nov. 21

Photo courtesy Lisa Scott
Students from Lucille Stretton’s second-grade class stand in front of the decorated wall announcing the Scholastic Book Fair being held at the elementary School Nov. 10-21. Sir Readalot’s Castle — Enter the Kingdom of Books! is the theme this year. Students holding books featured at the book fair, from left to right, are Kirra Noir, Brisa Montes, Noah Parker and Kailey Keyes.[/caption]

By Lisa Scott

Special to The PREVIEW

The Pagosa Springs Elementary School is hosting a Scholastic Book Fair Nov. 10-21 during school hours in the school library. Families, teachers and the community are invited to attend the fair, which will feature a special theme: Sir Readalot’s Castle — Enter the Kingdom of Books!

Many activities at the school accompany the book fair and the castle theme, making it an exciting time for students at the school and an easy way to increase interest in reading for pleasure.

Students visit the book fair with their class to preview the books for sale, especially the new releases. There are a wide variety of books and price ranges available and there is always a huge supply of bargain items for sale for as low as $1.99.

Students also view the “Author DVD,” supplied by Scholastic, which features authors discussing the books they wrote with kids in mind.

The hallway and entrance to the library have been decorated like a castle and adults will don royal costumes during pickup and dropoff.

The elementary school has been hosting book fairs since 1982. The two book fairs last year netted the school $4,588 in cash and over $1,309 in books for the school library.

Proceeds from the book fairs are used for reading and educational improvements that are beyond the basic school budget. For several years, the book fair money has been earmarked for a portable stage. This goal was achieved and the stage was purchased this summer. The new goal is to add new equipment to the playground on the south side of the building.

Individuals attending the event can also help build individual classroom libraries by purchasing books for teachers through the Classroom Wish List Program that is highlighted within the book fair.

The book fair will offer specially priced books and educational products, including newly released titles, award-winning titles, children’s classics, beautiful hardback books, interactive software and book titles from more than 150 publishers. There are products for all age ranges and many excellent gift ideas.

The community is invited to attend the book fair as a shopper or volunteer during book fair hours as the event is hosted in the school library and staffed by volunteers.

For more questions or to volunteer, contact Lisa Scott at 264-2730 or sranch@centurytel.net.