Our book fairs are run by volunteers. Whether you’re a college student, a retiree, a corporate team, or a family looking to give back, there’s a spot for you.
At a paid book fair, kids without money can leave empty-handed. At a Book Drive for Kids book fair, every child chooses and keeps a brand-new book for free.
The look on some of the students’ faces was so joyful, as they saw some of the books being offered.
No experience necessary. A book fair shift runs about 3 hours; you’ll get a briefing email with the school address, parking, and what to expect.
Shifts typically run 8:00–11:00 AM or 11:00 AM–2:00 PM on a school day. Sometimes we ask volunteers to arrive a little early.
Before students arrive
While students choose
After the last class
The UT Austin Chapter provides many of our volunteers.
Many of our book fairs are 10–15 minutes from campus.
Mother-daughter teams volunteer on weekends and over the summer.
Companies send 12–14 employees as part of a school sponsorship.
Parents, teachers, retirees, homeschoolers. Anyone who loves books.
Some partners give a morning, some sponsor a whole school. Both put your people in the room while kids choose their books.
Up to 4 spots
Bring a small team to volunteer together. Our volunteers share that they love interacting directly with kids and seeing the joy on the student’s faces.
Team of 12–14
Companies that sponsor an entire school book fair can bring a larger team of 12–14 employees and help every child choose a brand-new book.
Want to sponsor a full school book fair? Sponsor a school →
Fill out the volunteer form and we’ll send upcoming book fair dates and locations as they are confirmed.
Fall 2026 book fair dates are being finalized. Sign up and we’ll send available volunteer shifts as they open.
1
Fill out the volunteer form.
2
We email you dates and locations as they’re confirmed, and you reply for the fair that fits.
3
Before your fair, you get a briefing email with the school address, parking information and what to expect.
You’re raising your hand, not committing to a date yet.
Yes, if you are volunteering in Austin ISD. Click on this link and start the process. For other schools, we will let you know ahead of time if they require one.
Check in at the school’s front office as a visitor with your driver’s license. Our team will meet you in the library, show you the setup, and walk you through your role before the first class arrives.
Our book fairs are typically held in the school’s library. If the school doesn’t have a library, then it is in the gym or cafeteria. Your briefing email includes the school address and parking details.
No. Please do not take photos of students or post pictures of students on social media. We want to protect student privacy. We will have a photographer at the event take all photos. We work with the school to see which student’s have signed media releases.
Wear your company or group shirt if you’re volunteering together. We’re in an elementary school, so keep it school-appropriate.
If you need to cancel, reply to your volunteer confirmation email or email Brooke at [email protected] as soon as you can.
“This has been such a gift for our students and teachers.”
Student excitement regarding our book selection at our book fairs averaged 4.9 out of 5 across 14 Austin campuses.Source: Austin Librarian Survey, May 2026
Sign up now and we’ll send Fall 2026 dates and locations as they’re confirmed.
Questions? Email Brooke at [email protected].