This past week, Cook Literacy Model School hosted the third annual "Greatest Books on Earth" event, a free book fair in partnership with they Reynolda Rotary Club, a local service organization, and Bookmarks, the local, non-profit independent book store.
This event looks and feels like a traditional book fair, but every student selects two free books. The books are funded by the Reynolda Rotary Club and provided at a discount by Bookmarks. The Rotary Club also supports the event by providing volunteers to set up, take down, and run the event. Bookmarks staff provides logistical support and, this year, volunteers.
"I like the books Big and The Guiness World Record Book. I see a lot of people I know in the world record book," says Semaj W., a 3rd grader at Cook.
"Traditionally, book fairs are a way that libraries raise funds for themselves," says Madelyn Hughes, Cook's library media coordinator, "we are fortunate to have community partners that make it so this is not necessary for us. Thanks to the Reynolda Rotary Club and Bookmarks, we can put on an event that creates a positive association with reading for every students, regardless of means."
Photos by Jake Browning
Article by Madelyn Hughes