Book fairs and schemes for schools – our recommendations
Book fairs are a great way to encourage pupils to take ownership of their reading choices – literally. Studies have shown that children and teens are far more likely to read a book and finish a book that they have chosen and purchased themselves. Either arranged through national chains or through local bookshop outlets, these events can be a great way to bring the book-buying and browsing experience to your school.
Below is a list of popular book providers who will visit schools and set up a bookshop experience in your assembly hall, sports hall, library or classrooms. Perhaps consider making an event of this, by combining your literature weeks with times for parents to visit after school, author visits, speaking and listening engagements, careers-related talks, extended library sessions and literary activities.
- BookBuzz – Tailored for Year 7 and 8 pupils, BookBuzz offers a curated selection of books to engage and inspire early secondary readers.
- Bookplates UK – Bookplates UK provides personalised book labels, allowing readers to mark and identify their cherished literary possessions with a touch of individuality. Set up by Anne Fine.
- Book Trust School Library Book Pack for secondary school libraries. While not running in 2023, Book Trust offers a comprehensive pack for secondary school libraries, aiming to enhance literary resources.
- Bookwagon Book Fairs – Bookwagon specialises in hosting book fairs, bringing an array of captivating titles directly to schools to encourage a culture of reading.
- Brilliant Box of Books – This program delivers an exciting assortment of books, carefully selected to captivate young minds and promote the joy of reading. There’s a also a facility to ‘sponsor a pupil’.
- Children’s Book Project – “Donate your new or pre-loved books to us and we will ensure that they are put straight into the hands of the children that need them most.” The Children’s Book Project focuses on providing books to schools, communities, and organizations, fostering accessibility to literature for children.
- Foyle School Library Scheme – The Foyle Foundation “is an independent grant making trust that distributes grants to U.K. based registered charities and schools.” This scheme is aimed at supporting school libraries, the Foyle School Library Scheme seeks to enhance literary resources for students.
- Gobbledy Books School Book Fairs – Gobbledy Books organises school book events which visit your school, or virtual school book events, offering an opportunity for students to explore and choose from a diverse selection of titles.
- Morrisons supermarket offers a free books scheme – “Little Library” to promote books to disadvantaged children.
- Oxford Owl runs a free eBook scheme for children aged 3-11 years old, providing digital access to a wide range of age-appropriate books.
- Primary Books School Book Fairs – Specialising in school book fairs, Primary Books brings a varied collection of titles to engage and encourage young readers.
- Scholastic Book Fair – A widely recognised program, Scholastic Book Fair brings an extensive array of books directly to schools, creating a vibrant literary atmosphere.
- Travelling Book fair – “We help to bring children and books together, delivering Book Fairs – pop-up bookshops – to thousands of schools in the UK every year.“
- Usborne Book fairs – Usborne Book Fairs offer an array of engaging and educational titles for children, promoting literacy in a fun and interactive way.
- Your local Waterstones branch may well be happy to set up a bespoke book fair at your school in exchange for commission in the form of free children’s books for your school. Well worth looking into.
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If you found this page of book fair ideas useful, why not have a look at our list on UK children’s book publishers, our list of writing competitions for children and teens, and our list of oracy schemes and contests for schools?
