Because a good book fair should do more than just sell books.
There’s nothing quite like the buzz of a book fair—the shelves brimming with new stories, the excitement in students’ eyes, the joy of finding just the right book. But not all book fairs live up to that moment. If your fair has started to feel more like a retail chore than a celebration of reading, it might be time to look at what a better partner can offer.
Here are five reasons more schools are rethinking who they trust with their book fairs and what happens when they make the switch.
The best book fairs feel like stepping into another world. Our seasonal themes allow readers to explore gardens of imagination, drift through fantasy forests, or brush shoulders with their favorite characters. A thoughtful, immersive theme doesn’t just decorate a space; it sparks curiosity and invites students into the experience.
When your fair looks and feels like a story come to life, it sets the tone that this is more than an event. It’s a celebration of reading.
When the tables of toys draw more attention than the books, something’s off. Many schools are frustrated by fairs that feel more like dollar stores than literacy events.
A book-centered fair keeps the focus where it belongs: on fostering readers. Instead of clutter and tchotchkes, our Reading and Writing Center is intentional and connected to literacy—bookmarks, journals, and thoughtful reading incentives that align with your school’s mission.
Let’s be honest—rewards are only meaningful if they’re useful. That’s why one of the most-loved features of our program is the ability to choose books right from your fair, cash, Titlewave Credit, or a mix of all three.
Whatever your goals, your rewards should work for you, not the other way around.
Book fair coordinators do incredible work, but they shouldn’t have to be logistics experts. With limited volunteer time and packed school calendars, a fair that’s simple to run makes a big difference.
Setup takes about 45 minutes with just two volunteers. Rolling cases arrive fully stocked and ready to go. Tabletop displays are intuitive, and registers are modern and user-friendly. When everything is designed with ease in mind, you get more time to focus on connecting students with books.
Running a book fair shouldn’t feel like a second full-time job. That’s why we don’t just hand you a box and wish you luck. From your first planning call to your final sale, our team is here—responsive, resourceful, and genuinely invested in your success.
You’ll have a dedicated account manager who knows your school, your timeline, and your goals. And with OpenBook, our online planning platform, you get everything you need to run your fair at your fingertips: scheduling tools, promo materials, helpful checklists, and more.
Because when you’re supported, your fair is set up to shine.
You’re not just running a book fair—you’re creating a moment that can ignite a lifelong love of reading. And with the right partner, that moment gets a whole lot easier to create.
