Not only does Barnes & Noble represent a place where book-lovers can buy new additions to their favorite series while enjoying a fresh cup of pumpkin-spiced coffee, but this week it will serve as a book fair, where 20% of the proceedings will serve as store credit for Randall’s libraries.

The book fair at Barnes & Noble began Oct. 15 and will continue in stores until Oct. 21–or until Oct. 26 online. In addition to the purchases of books, the proceedings will include café items, so those who only come for the peace and coffee can still donate.

According to Joe Sullivan, the creator of the event, the book fair is not new. In fact, the book fair began about six years ago to encourage students to read.

¨I started the book fair at Barnes & Noble to promote reading (and) earn store credit so we can purchase books for the library,¨ Sullivan said. ¨(Also), Barnes and Noble does all the work and sales, and RHS Library receives store credit for 15- 20% of the total sales of people who request their purchase be applied to the RHS book fair.¨

Even though he began the book fairs at Barnes & Noble six years ago, Sullivan´s passion for reading began much further than that. During his childhood, Sullivan´s devotion to reading truly arose, which according to Sullivan has influenced him to be a teacher and librarian.

¨I have always enjoyed reading,¨ Sullivan said. ¨My parents and older siblings took me to our little public library when I was a preschooler. The public school I attended in Iowa had certified librarians and a decent collection of books. (Now), I love biographies, political books, history books, and thrillers. One of my favorite authors is David Baldacci who has written a number of fiction thriller/mysteries.¨

Just as much as Sullivan advocates for students to attend the book fair, he also encourages them to request to allocate portions of their purchases towards Randall because it helps him facilitate his job as a librarian.

¨Having a book fair is important to show students that we value reading and books,” Sullivan said.  “Also, it provides us with a store gift card that allows me to go out and purchase a book on short notice, (such as) for popular books.  On some occasions, teachers need a book as soon as possible and having a gift card allows me the opportunity to pick up the book in a timely manner.¨

In addition to hosting book fairs at Barnes & Noble, Sullivan promotes reading through his monthly book talks, where students of both lunches can gather to discuss books over cookies and sweet tea.

¨Each month, a student, teacher, or myself introduces a book to encourage students to read,¨ Sullivan said. ¨It is also important to maintain a relevant, current, collection of fiction and nonfiction books that students will browse and read. The Raider Library includes a digital collection of fiction books, reference books, and magazines.¨

To help increase the money raised from the book fair, Sullivan has spread the word quickly and even had a performance at Barnes & Noble to increase public awareness.

¨I have been inviting everyone I know by passing out bookmarks with the dates of the bookfair,¨ Sullivan said. ¨There are large, colorful posters in both buildings on campus (and) Thursday at 6 pm the Raider Show Choir, Bravo, will perform in the store.¨

Despite having begun over half a decade ago, this year’s book fair will be the first many students will attend. For senior Nicholas McAllister, attending the book fair is simply to help support Randall.

¨I don´t believe I have (attended the book fair) from Randall´s point of view, but before Randall I have,¨ McAllister said. ¨Mr. Sullivan (told me about the book fair during) the book talk last Thursday. I believe that people should go to the Randall book fair to help support the Randall Library and help get new books.¨