Butterfield book carnival likely to raise $3,000 for school library

It’s anything but your average school book fair. Wednesday’s Family Night at Butterfield Elementary School featured lots of food and fun as well as books for sale.  The Scholastic book company supplied the books, signs and cash registers, but the carnival theme was all the work of Library Aide Lynette Bingham.

 

“I just choose to make mine bigger and better because it’s part of the love for me.  I love to do this, and it’s a lot more fun for the children,” said Bingham.  She is the sole aide for the nearly 700 students at Butterfield.

 

The Family Night fun also included booths with carnival-style games. Six-year-old kindergartner Zacharia came in full clown costume. 

 

“They get a prize if they dress up,” said his mom, Angie, “and I want to teach him school spirit.” Zacharia came away with sticker books, pencils and a big smile.

 

Many of those running the book fair were Butterfield students. Fifth-graders Diego and Katelynn helped set the books out and bagged purchases.  Katelynn said she volunteered to help Mrs. Bingham because she is “the coolest librarian.”

 

The money raised goes directly to the school library. Based on sales, Scholastic gives the school a credit toward the purchase of new books.  Bingham said that usually comes out to about $3,000, enough for 100 or more hardcover books.

 

Outside the library, the PTO and Student Council raised money by selling popcorn, pizza and other snacks. Bingham said the food helps bring in more families and raises funds for other school programs at the same time.

 

The book fair runs during school hours through 3:30 p.m. Friday. And while the next book fair would generally take place in the fall, Bingham said she can’t say for sure that will happen next year.  

 

The school board is currently considering a proposal that would cut or eliminate library aides. Bingham said without the aides, there might not be any book fairs in the future.