MAC Mega-Book Fair

 
In a bid to raise literacy and learn event organization skills at the same time, local community college students are planning a mega-book fair, similar to the fair staged last year which sold 689 books to children of all ages within a matter of days.
 
Students from Mineral Area College’s Early Childhood Education program will offer a week-long, Scholastic book fair, Feb. 29-March 4, at the C.H. Cozean Library on the Park Hills campus, from 8:30 am-4 pm that Monday-Thursday, and 8:30-11 am that Friday.
 
Tuesday night, March 1, has been designated “Grand Night,” with crafts, appearances by the Cat in the Hat and Kirby the Cardinal, a free photo booth, and cookies, cake, popcorn and Koolaid from 5:30-8 pm. This year’s theme is “Groove Into a Good Book,” giving a ‘70s spin to Dr. Seuss. They hope to sell 800 books.
 
Last year’s fair saw dozens of parents and kids choosing books that ranged in prices from as little as 99 cents. Early Childhood Education Dept. Chairwoman Jennifer Sikes said if any guests take away anything from the fair -- besides a book—it’s that reading is attainable and worthwhile.
 
“It’s amazing to watch the transformation when kids are exposed to reading and are encouraged to read for themselves,” Sikes said. “With this fair, we want to reinforce that reading is fun, inexpensive and a great way to delve into different worlds -- or to learn how to make your own world a better place.”
 
In addition to Sikes, Librarian Melissa Hopkins and English Department Chairwoman Pam Jaycox are lending a hand to a committee of students, which includes Emily Morris of French Village, Taylor Covington of New Haven, Mackenzie Wiles of Farmington, Kaytlyn Brockes of Park Hills, Kyra Franklin of Bonne Terre, Jessica Wade of Farmington and Katelyn Rudel of Park Hills.
 
The president of MAC’s local chapter of Student-Missouri State Teacher’s Association, Mackenzie Wiles, said the book fair is coming along well.
 
"The book fair is coming together great. It seems like everything is falling into place,” she said. “I cannot wait to see the looks on all the children's faces. If we just open one child’s eyes to the enjoyment of reading, I feel our mission is accomplished." 
 
For more information about MAC’s education programs or about the book fair, call (573) 518-2197 or email jsikes@MineralArea.edu.