The book fair attracts readers with all kinds of interests

Stretching out across tables are books from every genre possible. From fiction to nonfiction, from romance to mystery. Students move between the tables, picking up and putting down books that catch their eye. This is the scene taking place in the Aurora High School library on November 1st and November 7th. The book fair provides students with the opportunity to discover new books to become immersed in. We know the book fair happens each year, but what is it really about?

The Learned Owl Book Shop in Hudson, Ohio provides the high school with numerous books for students to choose from. As students think about what books they would like to buy, they should know that the book fair is not about making a profit. While The Learned Owl provides the high school with a 20% profit, the book fair serves mainly as a way for classrooms and the library to acquire more books.

Melissa Lindley, Aurora English teacher who organizes the book fair, reports that the previous year was “our best book fair ever.” The book fairs are most popular in the fall, and have resulted with many books of the Popular Fiction genre being added to bookshelves throughout the school.

When asked about how students felt about the book fairs, Lindley stated, “Personally, I think my own students enjoy the book fair. It gives us a chance to talk about what books look interesting to each of us and gives students a chance to talk to each other about books they have read or may like to read.”

She had this to add about the power of reading. “From my perspective, book fairs are kind of bonding moments for the class.”

Certainly, there are students who do not enjoy reading, and therefore don’t really care about the book fair; however, Lindley believes students should approach book fairs with “an open mind.”

“I truly believe if they were more open-minded they might find a book that would be interesting to them.”

And what could be the key to drawing in a bigger crowd? Perhaps that key could be the variety. Lindley thinks that “most students feel they are not going to find anything and therefore do not give the book fair a chance.”

“We have such a wide variety of books and authors. Kate, the owner of The Learned Owl, pulls from her most popular titles and asks for input from myself and Mrs. Brown to see what is popular in our reading audience.”

Sophomore Brianna Foster purchased “The Graces” by Laura Eve at the book fair. The summary caught her attention and when asked about her thoughts on the book fair, Foster replied, “I do like the book fair because it allows students to have an opportunity to get to see more books just in case some of us don’t go to the library often.”

The Learned Owl and our very own English teachers have ensured that the book fairs have a hearty selection. At each visit, students can be sure that the book fair will have something for everyone.