Greenville County Schools Cancels In-School Book Fairs for Upcoming Year
Greenville, SC – Greenville County Schools has announced that it will be pausing in-school book fairs for the 2024-25 school year. This decision is due to a recent state regulation that the district must comply with. Book fairs have traditionally been a way for schools to raise funds while promoting reading among students and engaging parents.
The district released a statement on August 22, explaining that it can no longer host book fairs in the same manner as in past years. The State Board of Education implemented new requirements under SC Regulation 43-170 starting on August 1, 2024. These requirements affect how schools select instructional materials available to students.
In the statement, school officials acknowledged the important role of book fairs in fostering literacy. Book fairs have provided schools with both an opportunity to raise funds and a means to encourage students to read more. However, due to the new regulation, the unique logistics of running book fairs, involving the timely delivery and vetting of books, have made it impossible for the district to proceed with this year’s planned events.
The logistics of a book fair are complex, as it involves receiving large shipments of books that need to be quickly set up, packed, and then shipped out again. School staff simply do not have the time or resources to assess each book’s compliance with the new regulation once they arrive. Moreover, book fair vendors cannot provide the required content information in time to allow for this vetting.
While the in-school book fairs are on hold, the district is exploring alternative options like book clubs and online book fairs. Greenville County Schools has expressed its commitment to finding a resolution that adheres to the new regulations while still promoting literacy and engaging the community.
As the district evaluates these options, more information will be shared to keep parents and students informed.
