Book Fairs Raise Money for Schools

Fall is the season for your local PTAs to put on their book fairs. Jefferson School held its book fair last week. This week, it's Seth Boyden Elementary's turn.

Book Fair co-chairs Inken Finnamore and Cathy Dowd are just in their second year of the running the Seth Boyden book sale. Finnemore pointed out that the fair last year raised between $4,500 and $5,000 for the PTA (with a fall and smaller spring fair). This year, funds raised will probably go toward purchasing new playground equipment for the school.

Parents and those outside the school community are invited to come and shop the Book Fair in the upper gym (enter through front door of school and get a visitor pass from the office). The students also shop, bringing a wish list home for parents to endorse or reject.

For those students who cannot afford to purchase a book, the PTA buys one for them. A table of donated books is used to raise money for a "voucher fund" for just such purchases.

And, yes, says Finnamore, there are books for adults--two full tables. One table is actually published books authored by Seth Boyden parents. "We have very talented parents," gushed Finnamore.

The Seth Boyden Book Fair continues tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. However, visitors can also purchase books Thursday night at the Family Folk Festival from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Besides books, the Festival also promises live music, girls scouts reading and a bake sale.