It's time for school book fairs It's time for school book fairs (October 05, 2005)

** Corte Madera's collects books for Katrina evacuees in Houston.

Has your child graduated from "Amelia Bedelia?" Is the entire "Series of Unfortunate Events," though well loved, unread? Could another child, now without her school library, devour all the Judy Blume's and Beverly Cleary's sitting on the shelf?

If there's some new or gently used paperback books for beginning readers to young adults around the house, bring them to Corte Madera School's book fair this week. They will be donated to help fill the shelves of New Orleans West (NOW) College Preparatory School, a K-8 charter school, destroyed by Hurricane Katrina and flood waters.

The school's 500 students and faculty have been relocated to Douglas Elementary School in the Houston Independent School District in Texas.

Through efforts by Corte Madera Principal Joel Willen, who worked in the Houston district before coming to Portola Valley, NOW was identified as an ideal beneficiary of a book drive.

The gift of new and slightly used paperbacks could help make all the difference in returning some sense of normalcy to the students of NOW Prep, said Mr. Willen.

Sponsoring the book drive, in conjunction with the Corte Madera's annual book fair, is the Portola Valley Parent Teacher Organization. Collection boxes will be available at the book fair from Thursday, October 6, through Wednesday, October 12, in Room 605; and throughout the remainder of October in the Corte Madera School office.

In an effort to offset shipping costs, the PTO is offering underwriting opportunities for those interested in defraying the cost of packing supplies and shipping expenses. To contribute, contact Margie MacKenzie at mrmackenzie@sbcglobal.net or 851-0937.

Fair hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and on Saturday, October 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Staff of Hickelbee's Books of San Jose has selected a large array of titles for all ages.

Parents Mary Livingston and Margie MacKenzie are co-chairs of the fair that benefits the school libraries.

Corte Madera is located at 4575 Alpine Road in Portola Valley
Ormondale

A collection of new books and old favorites will be on sale at Ormondale School's annual book fair, which opens Wednesday, October 5, and continues October 6, 7, 11 and 12 in the school's multi-use room at 200 Shawnee Pass in Portola Valley. Fair hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Community members are invited to come, browse for books, and get an early start on holiday shopping.

Again this year, Scholastic Books will provide selections of the latest children's as well as adult books and cookbooks.

Ormondale, the K-3 school, is located at 200 Shawnee Pass, Portola Valley.
Laurel/Encinal

Laurel and Encinal schools in Atherton are teaming up for a week of book fair activities, including a "Pajama Party Storyteller," talent show acts by Encinal students, and a "Club Read" dance, hosted by Hillview and Menlo-Atherton students.

The fair continues Tuesday through Friday, October 4-7, in the Laurel multi-purpose room, 95 Edge Road in Atherton. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday.

A wide selection of books, ranging from preschool board and picture books to adult reads, will be for sale. They may be purchased by cash, check or credit card.

Teachers and staff have selected books for their reading groups and class libraries that may be purchased at the fair. They also have compiled a list of book recommendations.

Used books also will be for sale with 100 percent of the profit going to the schools' PTOs.

A special treat for children will be to get into their pajamas and come to school Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and hear librarians Lezlie Glare and Gail Bradley read them stories while their parents shop.

Current and former Encinal students will showcase their talents Thursday, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the second-grade arbor. Kids can dance Friday night away at a Club Read party, hosted by students from Hillview Middle School and Menlo-Atherton High School, from 6:30 to 8 o'clock.

Students and families may purchase children's books and videos to donate to Willow Oaks School in the Ravenswood City School District as part of the Laurel/Encinal "Caring and Sharing" outreach.

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