Book Fair
The MCDS Book Fair is a cherished tradition that brings our community together to celebrate books, authors, and literacy, while supporting our library and community partners. Entirely parent-led, the week-long event relies on dedicated volunteers who choose, read, and review books, organize activities, prepare delicious food, and serve as cashiers.
As we approach this year’s Book Fair, we’re excited to share important dates and highlights to help your family fully enjoy this festive week. Join us in celebrating the joy of reading and making a difference in our community!
Opening Night Party
Thursday, November 6
6:00pm–9:00pm
MCDS Learning Resource Center
Adults only / No RSVP required
Family Day
Saturday, November 8
9:30am–4:30pm
MCDS Campus
Open to the public
Author Luncheon
Tuesday, November 11
11:00am–1:00pm
MCDS Gymnasium
Alumni & Alum Parent Party
Friday, November 7
6:30pm–9:00pm
Learning Resource Center
Adults 21+ only
Student Virtual Gift Cards
The Book Fair brings excitement as students independently explore and choose books during scheduled classroom shopping visits in the MCDS Learning Resource Center (LRC).
Students are encouraged to pay for their selected books using funds preloaded onto virtual gift cards, available for purchase through GiftRocker. Book Fair gift cards allow students to embrace the freedom of shopping on their own, as they learn to navigate choice and decision-making skills. During classroom visits, students may also make a Wish List of books and bring it home to share with you. Students at tuition levels below the top of the index will receive information about Book Fair gift cards directly from the Indexed Tuition office.
Purchase deadline:
Gift cards must be purchased by Sunday,November 2.
Suggested amount:
Typically between $30 and $50, but any amount can be loaded. All proceeds support the MCDS Library.
Redemption:
Gift cards can only be used in person during Book Fair week and are not valid for online purchases at the MCDS Book Fair online store, located on Bookshop.com.
Support for students:
Teachers and parent volunteers will assist students with budgeting and creating Wish Lists during their classroom visits.
Sample book prices:
Average prices (plus tax):
Chapter books: $13
Middle and upper-grade fiction: $19
Cookbooks: $35
Questions about Gift Cards:
For questions regarding assistance with Indexed Tuition and Gift Cards, contact Keets Young (kyoung@mcds.org).
For gift card purchasing inquiries, reach out to the MCDS Tech Department (techhelp@mcds.org).
Student Classroom Visiting Schedule
Volunteer Opportunities
Join the tradition: Volunteer for the MCDS Book Fair!
This is your chance to get directly involved and help create a memorable experience for our community at this year’s Book Fair. Whether you can spare just a few hours or share more of your time, a variety of opportunities are available.
Opening Night Set-Up: Sign up for a one-hour shift setting up, serving, bartending, or cleaning up at our Opening Night party on Thursday, November 6, 2025
Cashier Shifts: Sign up for a short shift ringing up customers at Book Fair. Sign-up for classroom visits, the opening night party, family day or any time that Book Fair is open!
Used Books Pre-sort, set-up, merchandise, and/or break down our heavily trafficked Used Book section. Great opportunity if you only have an hour to give!
Family Day: Support the activities planned for Book Fair's Family Day on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Author Luncheon: Help plate salads for the 8th graders to serve and/or help clean up following the event. Another quick and easy opportunity to contribute!
Your support ensures the Book Fair continues to thrive as a beloved MCDS tradition. Together let’s make this year unforgettable!
FAQs
Book Fair Hours
The MCDS Book Fair will be open during the following times:
Thursday, November 6: 6:00pm–9:00pm (Parents/guardians of current MCDS students, and current faculty/staff only)
Friday, November 7: 8:15am–3:30pm (Open to MCDS Community only)
Saturday, November 8: 9:30am–5:00pm (Family Day, open to both MCDS Community and the public)
Monday to Wednesday, November 10-12: 8:15am–3:30pm ( closes at 3 pm Wednesday) (Open to MCDS Community only)
Thursday, November 13: 8:15am–11:30am (Open to MCDS Community only)
Can I purchase books online?
After the Book Fair, we will share all the titles chosen by our parent volunteers online at our online store hosted by Bookshop.com. Bookshop will donate 10 percent of any sales made through our link to the MCDS library. If the book you wanted was sold out at the Book Fair or you are doing some online shopping, you can still support our library by shopping at Bookshop throughout the year. The online Book Fair site will be live on Friday, November 14.
How do students buy books during their classroom visits?
We use preloaded virtual gift cards for students to purchase books during their classroom visit to the Book Fair. Please note that these gift cards can only be redeemed in person and are not valid for purchases in our online store after the event.
Questions regarding gift card purchases can be directed to the Technology Department (techhelp@mcds.org).
For students at tuition levels below the top of the Index, you will receive information about Book Fair gift cards directly from the Indexed Tuition office. Please don't hesitate to reach out to the Associate Director of Lower School Admission and Indexed Tuition, Keets Young (kyoung@mcds.org).
How much should I put on a student gift card?
You are welcome to choose any amount to put on the card. Typically, $30 to $50 allows students to fully experience Book Fair. The cards are virtual, and the cashier can check each student's balance. It’s helpful to remind students of their budget on the day of their classroom visit. Teachers and volunteers will also be available to assist all students, especially younger ones, with managing their spending or creating a Wish List, ensuring everyone enjoys their experience regardless of the amount on their card.
As in a retail bookstore, the cost of books varies widely, with options ranging from affordable used titles to more expensive hardcover titles. On average, chapter books are typically priced around $13 (plus tax), middle and upper-grade fiction books around $19 (plus tax), and cookbooks at approximately $35 (plus tax).
For students at tuition levels below the top of the index, you will receive information about Book Fair gift cards directly from the IT office. For any IT related questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Associate Director of Lower School Admission and Indexed Tuition, Keets Young (kyoung@mcds.org).
What is a Wish List?
Students can choose to complete a Wish List while at the Book Fair, which allows them to share the books they’d like with their families. Wish Lists are always available near the cashier area. If you're interested in buying books from a Wish List, we recommend doing so on campus during Family Day on Saturday, November 8, although you are free to shop Book Fair any time that it is open!
How do I share the Book Fair with my friends and family outside of the MCDS community?
Spread the word!
Invite your friends and family to join us on Family Day, Saturday, November 8, for a day of fun for all ages. There’s something for everyone to discover.
Support our students with gift cards:
If you have family or friends who want to support your student(s), they can purchase gift cards specifically for them to use during classroom visits. It’s a meaningful way to encourage a love for reading!
How can I donate books to the library featuring a name on a bookplate?
Our librarians have curated a selection of new book titles that they are excited to add to the MCDS collection. These library gift books will be available to purchase during all Book Fair open hours. With each donation, you have the option to dedicate the book to your child, family, or someone special, and a unique bookplate–specific to this year’s Book Fair–will be displayed inside the book for years to come. You can find the library gift books on display opposite the cashiers at the circulation desk.
Are there used books for sale?
We offer a selection of gently used children's books, both hardcover and paperback, donated by our community. Paperbacks are priced at $1, while hardcovers are $2.
If you'd like to contribute to our Used Books section, please donate your used children’s books by leaving them at one of the collection centers in the carpool areas. Donations are accepted October 13 through November 3.
How does the Book Fair support our library, librarians, and students?
The celebration of books, authors, and a love of reading is central to our MCDS experience, fostering curious and empathetic learners. The Book Fair serves as the MCDS Library’s primary fundraiser, contributing thousands of new books to the collection, supporting our library staff, and enhancing literacy for all MCDS students and our extended community.
What are the ways you can contribute to our library?
Purchase books at the Book Fair: Your love for reading can positively impact our library! Encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to join us at the Book Fair and explore our selection of curated titles chosen to inspire and educate.
Join us for the Author Luncheon with Susan Orlean: Tickets for our Author Luncheon go on sale Tuesday, October 7 at 10:00am. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from the remarkable Susan Orlean and connect with fellow book lovers–all while supporting our library’s mission.
Make a donation: Every contribution counts! Consider making a donation to help us enhance our resources and programs.
Together, we can continue to foster a thriving reading community at MCDS. Thank you for your support!
Have questions?
For general Book Fair questions, please reach out to the Book Fair Chair, Stephanie Stafford (sauwerter@gmail.com) or the MCDS Associate Director of Development, Jenny Adlam Gonzalez (jadlamgonzalez@mcds.org).
For Author Lunch questions, please reach out to Jenny Adlam Gonzalez (jadlamgonzalez@mcds.org).
For Gift Card purchasing questions, please reach out to the MCDS Technology Department (techhelp@mcds.org).
For Indexed Tuition and Gift Card questions, please reach out to the Associate Director of Lower School Admission and Indexed Tuition, Keets Young (kyoung@mcds.org).