(Photo by Laura Gonzalez)

By Laura Gonzalez – News Editor

Jonathan Law and Foran High School joined forces withBarnes and Noble once again for their annual holiday book fair on Sunday, December 14.

Schools and other nonprofit organizations have been pairing up with Barnes and Noble to encourage students and adults to join in on the love of books and literature.

“It’s a win-win partnership because the schools get to earn money in a fun and party-like atmosphere,” said Karen Dydzuhn, Barnes and Noble’s Business Development Manager.

Barnes and Nobles provides a location, a variety of products, and personalized support by Dydzuhn. The store also sets up the fair and advertises it to the public.

This year’s holiday fair included an arts and crafts table, face painting, student artwork, a raffle, Christmas carolers, a gift wrapping table, and meet and greet by some children authors, including Mr. Woodbridge, a Latin teacher at Foran, and his wife.

“This being the holidays and there being a lot of people out shopping for the holidays with their kids and families we thought we would do a more family oriented event,” said Mrs. Briggs, Law’s Library Media Specialist.

(Photo by Laura Gonzalez)

Ten percent of all purchases (including the Starbucks café and online purchases made until December 19) made by each school’s supporters is given to the school’s media center as Barnes and Noble gift certificates, which are used to purchase new books and make any special requests for students.

“I think the student turn out is great this is the first time I’ve had nearly this many Foran students,” said Foran’s Library Media Specialist Mr. Pellegrino. “Usually I don’t get too many volunteers to come, so I think it’s been wonderful, and everyone seems to be having a good time.”

Mrs. Nancy Garfield Woodbridge, author of “Daniel’s Return,” “Hilary and the Secret Skulls,” “A Bouquet of Fairy Tales,” and other children’s books, also expressed her surprise at the large amount of students and adults.

“I was surprised to see so many people her today. It’s great,” Woodbridge said. “I write children’s books which a number of people might have an interest in, so I wanted to be here.”

Each school brought student volunteers to help with guidance and at stations with face painting and arts and crafts.

“I love supporting Law, and I think it’s great that we can get money for our school to support us,” said Law freshman Dominick Buccitti.

All the volunteers said they were glad to see so many people and so many activities, and they were proud to be able help their schools in such a simple and fun way.

“I wanted to help at the book fair because I really care about my school and its library, and I wanted to help raise some money to make them better,” said Foran junior Emma Bromley.