Book Fair FAQ

When is the Book Fair, where will it be, and what time is it open?

The GCA Book Fair is open Tuesday, December 9th through Thursday, December 11th and will be open each day 7:45-9am and 2:45-5:30pm in the Wales Theater.

This year, we also offer a Pre-Book Fair Pop-Up, on weekdays Tuesday, December 2nd through Monday, December 8th at 8-8:30am and 2:45-3:15pm in the Commons. Shop for the visiting authors' books, buy raffle tickets, and make library donations.

What will I find at Book Fair?

Book Fair is like a pop-up book store (and then some) that coincides with Gordon’s Visiting Author Program. You will find:

• A diverse selection of new books for children from bestsellers to rare finds, plus books by the visiting authors and books on special topics supporting Gordon’s mission —all at a 10% discount off the retail price!

• A large selection of affordable used books for all ages, with the opportunity for each student to select one used book for free on Monday, December 8th

• A library donations table where you can select a book to donate to the Joukowsky Family Library in honor, appreciation,
  or memory of someone designated on a special book plate on the inside cover. Hint: these make wonderful staff appreciation gifts!

• Visiting authors and illustrators ready to say hello and sign your books 

• A dedicated display of books from Gordon’s own community of authors, illustrators, editors, agents and designers

• A raffle with some great prizes donated by members of the Gordon community and friends of Gordon, such as a fossil showcase, reading with Denver, and more!

• An assortment of homemade baked goods for sale

• A gift-with-purchase, a Book Fair tote bag, for purchases of new books of $50 or over (limited quantities available)

• Gordon Gear

• New this year! Gator-themed stationery and other small gifts available for purchase at a Gator Swag table

At the new Pre-Book Fair Pop-Up, you can purchase the visiting authors’ books and raffle tickets and make library donations. The day before the Book Fair, on Monday, December 8th at 2:45-3:15pm our Karla Harry Visiting Author Christina Soontornvat will be signing books in the Commons!

Which authors and illustrators will be visiting with my child’s grade for the Visiting Author Program?

Director of Gordon’s Joukowsky Family Library, Frances Martindale, has arranged for a fantastic array of authors and illustrators to connect with Gordon students throughout the week during class time in age-appropriate ways. See the full schedule of author visits and book signings.

Can my child buy books during the school day?

Love-a-Book Day is Monday, December 8th—one day before Book Fair officially begins. All students will come through with their classes to browse both new and used books and select one used book that they can take home that day for free. There will be new book wish lists available for the students to write down their wishes and take home to their caregivers for later purchase during fair hours.

Can I order books online?

No, our book vendor does not accommodate for that— instead, please join us in person at the Book Fair!

How can I pay for books? 

We accept credit cards, ApplePay or cash. 

What does the money raised from Book Fair support?

All money raised from Book Fair supports Gordon, funding community engagement programming (such as GCA events), future visiting authors, the library and more.

I’m interested in helping out at Book Fair. How do I do that? 

Book Fair relies on volunteers to be successful. We’d love your help! See available shifts and sign up using our SignUp Genius.
If you need childcare during your volunteer shift and your child is not already signed up for Gators or YAP, please add your information to this form for free child care until 5:30pm.

How did all of this come together?

Book Fair is a full-team effort with a group of dedicated parent volunteers who work with Gordon staff to make the magic happen. We are grateful to Book Fair Co-Chairs Jennifer Turner, Johanna Paavilainen, Sarah Funke Butler, Emma Hammel, Alisa DeLage; to the marketing team members Marisa Kambour, Amy Rine, Jesse Kalb; to the café coordinators Diana Capellan, Laura Naughton; and to all book sorting volunteers, set up and day of volunteers, visiting author and library volunteers; to GCA Co-Presidents Leila Zarlenga and Jackie Delamatre; to the amazing Gordon library team: Frances Martindale, Sandy Horton; and to all other key stakeholders: Geoff Griffin, Angela Alston, Anne Marie Ticaric, Alexandra O’Connor, Veronica Jutras, Alethea Dunham-Carson, Tom Cicatiello, Marlon Henry, Carmen Garcia, Eddy Dalo, Rob Howard, Sara McEntee, Clare Blackmer, Matthew Boyd, Minna Ham, Cendhi Arias Henry, Meredith deChabert, and anyone else we might be forgetting for all of their support!

Additionally, we are very grateful to our sponsors: 

• Park Slope Copy Plus for the generous donation of printing services

• Go East Promotional Products for the generous donation of promotional services

• Donors to our raffle: the faculty and staff, parents, friends and businesses who have contributed creatively and generously to our offerings this year! 

If you have goods or services you would like to contribute as a Raffle item, especially book & arts related items, please contact the book fair co-chairs.

Whom can I contact with questions? 

For general Book Fair questions or to find out more about volunteering, please contact the Book Fair co-chairs Jennifer Turner (syracuse1996@gmail.com), Johanna Paavilainen (jmpaavilainen@gmail.com), or Sarah Funke Butler (sarahfunkebutler@gmail.com).