Student Reading Council hosts book fair to benefit children in need

By Jessica Sinn
University News Service
November 21, 2007

The San Marcos Student Reading Council (SMSRC) invites university students, faculty and staff to shop for the holidays, without having to set foot in a crowded bookstore or mall.

Conveniently located on the Texas State University-San Marcos campus, shoppers can purchase holiday gifts in between classes at the Scholastic Book Fair Nov. 28-30 in the Education Building, room 3070.  To add to the holiday spirit, free hot chocolate and candy canes will be provided. 

Schedule and opening hours are 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. on Nov. 28, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Nov. 29 and 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on Nov. 30. 

The book fair, themed “Book Fair Blizzard” will feature a variety of children’s books by bestselling authors and illustrators.  The event will also include computer stations for downloading student activities and teacher curriculum materials, as well as book talks and special author video clips. 

Shari Belmarez, Texas State curriculum and instruction lecturer, said she encourages students who are majoring in education to take advantage of the special discounts and stock up on educational materials. 

“This is a great opportunity for future teachers to start building their class libraries,” Belmarez said.  “The book fair is a great place to find popular titles at lower prices than what you would normally find at local bookstores.” 

Proceeds will benefit the Texas State Reading Association’s international project, which is to help build a library for the Lauro Aguirre Elementary School in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.   For each book sold, $1 will be donated to special programs and charities.  Each person who purchases a book or makes a dollar donation can enter a raffle to win an assortment of door prizes. Through the “One for Books” program, Scholastic will match every dollar raised to benefit their list of charities. Book donations are also accepted. 

Some of the door prizes include free beauty treatments from Hollywood Nails, Sink Creek Day Spa & Massage, Mary Kay and Head West Salon; Chipotle gift certificates; and university apparel from Colloquium Bookstore and the Texas State Bookstore.

The SMSRC is affiliated with the Texas State Reading Association and the International Reading Association.  Students who join SMSRC also become members of the Texas State Reading Association and receive quality educational publications for cutting edge teaching strategies.

For more information about the Scholastic Book Fair, visit http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bookfairs/cptoolkit/publish/txstate.

For more information about the San Marcos Student Reading Council, visit http://www.education.txstate.edu/ci/people/organizations.html or call (512) 245-2157.