Adventure Awaits: NRCA Book Fair Inspires a Love of Reading

By Whitley Andrews, Shield Editor 

When students attended the NRCA Book Fair from Oct. 27-31, they stepped into an adventure where a multitude of stories awaited.  

Parent Volunteer Association (PVA) members worked behind the scenes to transform the Student Life Center into a bookshop for the week. Additional PVA members helped students and parents find exciting titles during the fair, all to foster a love of reading among students and to fundraise for the school’s Media Center. 

“The purpose of the Book Fair is to get the students excited about reading,” said Minne O’Neal, PVA Vice President and Book Fair Committee member. 

This year’s fair took on a new look as the leadership team had to begin working with a new vendor after the previous year's company closed. They partnered with I:55, a Christian book fair company based in Bryan, Texas. “I:55 has had lots of experience with book fairs and was highly recommended,” said O’Neal. 

Along with the new partnership came changes to the Book Fair process. Unlike previous years, volunteers were fully responsible for unpacking, displaying, setting up, breaking down, and repacking every book. This shift increased NRCA’s responsibility and required more hands-on involvement. Despite the challenges, PVA members adapted effectively to ensure a smooth transition. 

Decor for the camping and outdoors theme—“Adventure Awaits in a Good Book”—featured bunting, trees, and cabins, which depicted a nostalgic summer camp and indicated locations for the wish lists of younger readers. The Student Life Center was transformed into an inviting space that enhanced the browsing experience for young Knights. 

“We received lots of kind feedback that the new setup felt more like a bookstore, which was neat to hear,” said Jordan Shaw, Book Fair Chair. 

The Elementary Evidences of Learning night on Oct. 28 allowed students to explore the expansive book selection with their families, discovering stories and interests together. “The shared experience created a positive and memorable moment for everyone. In fact, we exceeded our one-day sales record,” said Book Fair Vice Chair, Elena Caldwell. 

Looking ahead, PVA members hope to expand the fair with a wider range of books to match the growth of confident and eager readers, supporting and celebrating their progress. They look forward to providing students with opportunities to be exposed to new genres and discover what they enjoy most, ultimately building on their love of reading. 

“We loved seeing the joyful faces of students and parents during the fair, and we thank God for all the kind exchanges of gratitude that we received,” O’Neal said. 

Overall, the annual Book Fair served as a meaningful opportunity to inspire students’ love of reading. Through the dedication of PVA members and volunteers, the fair successfully adapted to change, created memorable experiences for families, and supported the growth of the Media Center. The event reminded the NRCA community that great adventures begin with opening a book.