Want to organize a book fair? You're in the right place! Our FAQ provides essential tips and guidance for initiating, starting, and managing a successful book fair. Dive in to make your event a thriving hub for book lovers!
Ave Maria University and Ignatius Press have launched book fairs to offer an unparalleled Catholic alternative to other nationally known book fairs. Our goal is to ensure that children have access to literature that can shape their minds and nourish their souls in the most profound way possible.
Our main office is located in the beautiful town of Ave Maria, Florida.
Our Ignatius Book Fairs team is truly exceptional! Guided by seasoned experts from Ave Maria University and Ignatius Press, our Operations Team comprises individuals with vast experience in both Catholic schools and book fairs. Additionally, we have enthusiastic student interns from Ave Maria University lending their support. We cannot wait to connect with you!
We are thrilled to unveil our new mascot, Loupio, the beloved protagonist of the widely acclaimed comic book series The Adventures of Loupio! Keep an eye out for Loupio as he makes his appearance on our website, social media platforms, and during our exciting book fairs.
Our Ignatius Book Fairs team is truly exceptional! Guided by seasoned experts from Ave Maria University and Ignatius Press, our Operations Team comprises individuals with vast experience in both schools and book fairs. Additionally, we have enthusiastic student interns from Ave Maria University lending their support. We cannot wait to connect with you!
Ave Maria University and Ignatius Press have launched book fairs to offer an unparalleled alternative to other nationally known book fairs. Our goal is to ensure that children have access to literature that can shape their minds and nourish their souls in the most profound way possible.
Our main office is located in the beautiful town of Ave Maria, Florida.
We are thrilled to unveil our new mascot, Loupio, the beloved protagonist of the widely acclaimed comic book series The Adventures of Loupio! Keep an eye out for Loupio as he makes his appearance on our website, social media platforms, and during our exciting book fairs.
To host a book fair, please complete an inquiry form. You will then be contacted by a Book Fair Pro who will provide more information and answer any questions you have.
The best way to secure your ideal book fair dates is to reach out as soon as possible. We cannot hold dates until you receive a contract, so booking early and signing the contract within three business days of receiving it is the best way to secure your dates.
Ignatius Book Fairs are now available for schools and parishes across the continental United States! If you are interested in hosting a book fair, please fill out an inquiry form and tell us more about your school or parish. One of our dedicated Book Fair Pros will reach out to you to determine if your school or parish is a fit for this incredible opportunity.
Hosting an Ignatius Book Fair comes at no cost to you outside of time and talent. We will provide you with a comprehensive package including all the books, payment devices, eye-catching advertising aids, beautifully designed marketing materials, sturdy book stands, and just about everything you will need to ensure the success of your book fair.
VIRTUAL FAIRS
We have various options for those interested in hosting a virtual fair. Your book fair professional will go over options. Some may have a small cost if you would like a box of starter books to display during the fair. These books will be yours to keep.
First book fair? No problem! Our experienced staff will help you along the way. After signing a contract, we will send you a document called “Your Guide to Hosting a Successful Ignatius Book Fair,” which will explain in detail all our tips, tricks, and suggestions to help you plan a fantastic event. We will also break this document down into bite-sized nuggets that will arrive via email at strategic intervals to give you time to implement these tips before moving on. Plan to join us for a 3-part workshop series to help guarantee your success, particularly for first-timers. This is a live, interactive series with a short presentation, and time for questions and answers. We will cover all aspects of how to plan, host and close a successful fair.
We do not have a set minimum for book fair sales, as we carefully select schools and parishes that are the perfect fit for an engaging in-person book fair.
Ignatius Book Fairs now offers a virtual book fair. These are ideal for smaller schools. This event requires much less volunteer time and effort to organize. This option is available to larger schools too if they don’t want to host a full onsite book fair.
Is there a minimum sales requirement?
We ask that you feel confident that you have enough community support to generate at least $1000 in sales, although there is no minimum requirement.
How much does a Virtual Book Fair cost?
The cost is $175, which includes all the books, supplies, and customer support you need for a successful event. Payment must be received within 15 days of signing the contract.
What do you send us?
One week before your virtual fair begins, each organization will be sent an official virtual book fair kit. The kit will include 50 book fair flyers, 50 bookmarks, and the selection of our most popular, best-selling books you opted to receive. You may keep these books OR re-sell them at list price after your virtual book fair concludes.
How are books purchased?
All the shopping is done entirely on our website, store.ignatiusbookfairs.com and payment is by credit card. Customers simply create an online account, select your school, and start shopping!
NOTE:After your online book fair ends, if you choose to re-sell the sample books, your organization is responsible for accepting payment via check, cash, FACTS, etc.
Do you offer rewards for our organization?
Yes! Your organization will earn “Ave Dollars” which can be redeemed on our website to buy books. We offer 30% of all online sales (excluding tax) in Ave Dollars, plus the opportunity to earn “Surprise Bonus Books” if your sales exceed $3,000. Here's an example of what you can earn:
30% Ave Dollars
$1000 earns $300 Ave Dollars
$2000 earns $600 Ave Dollars
$3000 earns $900 Ave Dollars
Over $3000 earns $900 + $75 in Surprise Bonus Books
How long will our online book fair last?
The online book fair will last 7 days. Remember, you will need a plan to promote shopping before, during, and after the event. Books ordered during the event will have the option to be held and sent to your organization with FREE shipping. Your organization is responsible for distributing these books.
What work is required from our organization?
Your main role will be to advertise your event using all the communications your organization sends out: newsletters, social media posts, parish bulletin, in the official calendar, etc. It’s best practice to advertise often leading up to the fair, then each day during the fair. If your community doesn’t know about the fair, or forgets that it is happening, they won’t order. Advertising ideas will be talked about during our live workshop for virtual fairs. Please plan to sign up to attend when you receive the invitation. You will be sent the recording even if you were not able to make it to the session.
How do we advertise?
We will send you a digital kit with social media graphics, a wish list, a digital catalog and instructions on how to use them. We will also be talking a lot about advertising during our live workshop, which is built especially for our virtual fair coordinators.
What do we do after the online book fair ends?
We will notify you about your total online sales and add the Ave Dollars to your account, so you can start using the rewards you have earned!
How do we schedule a “Virtual Book Fair”?
Based on the size and setup of your school or parish, we suggest a duration of five to seven days for your book fair. Our experienced Book Fair Pros will assist you in determining the optimal length of time for your event.
Our state-of-the-art warehouse in Illinois will be responsible for shipping all our books and materials directly to your location. Once the book fair is over, we will provide you with everything you need to pack up and ship any leftover items effortlessly, including boxes, return labels, and detailed instructions. With our seamless process, you can focus on enjoying the fair while we take care of the logistics.
Customers have the convenience to make payments using their preferred method—be it card, cash, or check. Rest assured, we will equip you with top-notch point of sale devices and comprehensive training on how to utilize them effortlessly.
We offer different options to suit your needs. If you have never hosted a book fair with Ignatius, we have 2 different boxes of books that you can order during the sign-up process so that you have a wonderful selection of our best sellers in order to use as display items and for advertising. The cost of the box you choose is $175 and the books you receive are valued at $300. Payment must be received within 15 days of signing the contract. For those who have hosted a fair with Ignatius Book Fairs before, we also offer an option without a starter box of books.
Based on the size and setup of your school, we suggest a duration of five to seven days for your book fair. Our experienced Book Fair Pros will assist you in determining the optimal length of time for your event.
Ignatius Book Fairs now offers a virtual book fair. These are ideal for smaller schools. This event requires much less volunteer time and effort to organize. This option is available to larger schools too if they don’t want to host a full onsite book fair.
Is there a minimum sales requirement?
We ask that you feel confident that you have enough community support to generate at least $1000 in sales, although there is no minimum requirement.
How much does a Virtual Book Fair cost?
The cost is $175, which includes all the books, supplies, and customer support you need for a successful event. Payment must be received within 15 days of signing the contract.
What do you send us?
One week before your virtual fair begins, each organization will be sent an official virtual book fair kit. The kit will include 50 book fair flyers, 50 bookmarks, and the selection of our most popular, best-selling books you opted to receive. You may keep these books OR re-sell them at list price after your virtual book fair concludes.
How are books purchased?
All the shopping is done entirely on our website, store.ignatiusbookfairs.com and payment is by credit card. Customers simply create an online account, select your school, and start shopping!
NOTE:After your online book fair ends, if you choose to re-sell the sample books, your organization is responsible for accepting payment via check, cash, FACTS, etc.
Do you offer rewards for our organization?
Yes! Your organization will earn “Ave Dollars” which can be redeemed on our website to buy books. We offer 30% of all online sales (excluding tax) in Ave Dollars, plus the opportunity to earn “Surprise Bonus Books” if your sales exceed $3,000. Here's an example of what you can earn:
30% Ave Dollars
$1000 earns $300 Ave Dollars
$2000 earns $600 Ave Dollars
$3000 earns $900 Ave Dollars
Over $3000 earns $900 + $75 in Surprise Bonus Books
How long will our online book fair last?
The online book fair will last 7 days. Remember, you will need a plan to promote shopping before, during, and after the event. Books ordered during the event will have the option to be held and sent to your organization with FREE shipping. Your organization is responsible for distributing these books.
What work is required from our organization?
Your main role will be to advertise your event using all the communications your organization sends out: newsletters, social media posts, in the official calendar, etc. It’s best practice to advertise often leading up to the fair, then each day during the fair. If your community doesn’t know about the fair, or forgets that it is happening, they won’t order. Advertising ideas will be talked about during our live workshop for virtual fairs. Please plan to sign up to attend when you receive the invitation. You will be sent the recording even if you were not able to make it to the session.
How do we advertise?
We will send you a digital kit with social media graphics, a wish list, a digital catalog and instructions on how to use them. We will also be talking a lot about advertising during our live workshop, which is built especially for our virtual fair coordinators.
What do we do after the online book fair ends?
We will notify you about your total online sales and add the Ave Dollars to your account, so you can start using the rewards you have earned!
How do we schedule a “Virtual Book Fair”?
We do not have a set minimum for book fair sales, as we carefully select schools that are the perfect fit for an engaging in-person book fair.
Ignatius Book Fairs are now available for schools across the continental United States! If you are interested in hosting a book fair, please fill out an inquiry form and tell us more about your school. One of our dedicated Book Fair Pros will reach out to you to determine if your school is a fit for this incredible opportunity.
Hosting an Ignatius Book Fair comes at no cost to you outside of time and talent. We will provide you with a comprehensive package including all the books, payment devices, eye-catching advertising aids, beautifully designed marketing materials, sturdy book stands, and just about everything you will need to ensure the success of your book fair.
VIRTUAL FAIRS
We have various options for those interested in hosting a virtual fair. Your book fair professional will go over options. Some may have a small cost if you would like a box of starter books to display during the fair. These books will be yours to keep.
We offer different options to suit your needs. If you have never hosted a book fair with Ignatius, we have 2 different boxes of books that you can order during the sign-up process so that you have a wonderful selection of our best sellers in order to use as display items and for advertising. You can choose either Catholic/religious book selections, or a mix of secular and religious books. The cost of the box you choose is $175 and the books you receive are valued at $300. Payment must be received within 15 days of signing the contract. For those who have hosted a fair with Ignatius Book Fairs before, we also offer an option without a starter box of books.
Customers have the convenience to make payments using their preferred method—be it card, cash, or check. Rest assured, we will equip you with top-notch point of sale devices and comprehensive training on how to utilize them effortlessly.
To host a book fair, please complete an inquiry form. You will then be contacted by a Book Fair Pro who will provide more information and answer any questions you have.
The best way to secure your ideal book fair dates is to reach out as soon as possible. We cannot hold dates until you receive a contract, so booking early and signing the contract within three business days of receiving it is the best way to secure your dates.
First book fair? No problem! Our experienced staff will help you along the way. After signing a contract, we will send you a document called “Your Guide to Hosting a Successful Ignatius Book Fair,” which will explain in detail all our tips, tricks, and suggestions to help you plan a fantastic event. We will also break this document down into bite-sized nuggets that will arrive via email at strategic intervals to give you time to implement these tips before moving on. Plan to join us for a 3-part workshop series to help guarantee your success, particularly for first-timers. This is a live, interactive series with a short presentation, and time for questions and answers. We will cover all aspects of how to plan, host and close a successful fair.
Our state-of-the-art warehouse in Illinois will be responsible for shipping all our books and materials directly to your location. Once the book fair is over, we will provide you with everything you need to pack up and ship any leftover items effortlessly, including boxes, return labels, and detailed instructions. With our seamless process, you can focus on enjoying the fair while we take care of the logistics.
The number of titles your fair receives will be based on a number of factors such as school size, previous sales, and your preferences. Our book fair pros will help you with this. All organizations will be given the opportunity to make adjustments during our customization process, which happens approximately 60-90 days before your fair begins.
No, about 70% of the books we send will be wholesome, nonreligious books, such as fiction, inspiring biographies, fairytales, and classic children’s books. We also include books about sports, history, arts and crafts, and more. All these books have been fully vetted to ensure that the content is safe for children and will nourish their imaginations. We believe that children deserve to read great books!
Definitely! About 30% of the books will be Catholic—stories about the saints, Bible stories, books that explain the faith in an engaging way, and more. Many of our Catholic children’s books are the beautiful books co-published by Magnificat and Ignatius Press, including our popular religious books by Tomie de Paola. We will also send children’s books from other Catholic publishers, such as the Augustine Institute and Bethlehem Books, and we will add more of the best children’s books available from other Catholic publishers as we grow.
Our book fair list is proprietary, but we do share this with our book fair partners after learn more about your group and your needs. In the meantime, please browse our store website to get an idea of everything we offer.
Yes, our fall book fairs will have a selection of Advent and Christmas books, while our spring book fairs will offer a selection of Easter, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation books.
The Ignatius Book Fair provides books for children in grades K-8, including picture books, comic books, early readers, elementary and middle school books. We do include one table of books for "Older Teens 16+ and Adults" so the whole family can pick up a book at our fairs!
Yes, our website offers an extensive collection of hundreds of more books, with new additions being made daily. All these books are conveniently available with free shipping to your school during our book fairs. And your school earns Ave dollars for all online purchases.
Yes, our fall book fairs will have a selection of Christmas and Easter books, as well as summer reading lists.
The number of titles your fair receives will be based on a number of factors such as school size, previous sales, and your preferences. Our book fair pros will help you with this. All organizations will be given the opportunity to make adjustments during our customization process, which happens approximately 60-90 days before your fair begins.
Our book fair list is proprietary, but we do share this with our book fair partners after learn more about your group and your needs. In the meantime, please browse our store website to get an idea of everything we offer.
The Ignatius Book Fair provides books for children in grades K-8, including picture books, comic books, early readers, elementary and middle school books. We do include one table of books for "Older Teens 16+ and Adults" so the whole family can pick up a book at our fairs!
Yes, our website offers an extensive collection of hundreds of more books, with new additions being made daily. All these books are conveniently available with free shipping to your school during our book fairs. And your school earns Ave dollars for all online purchases.
The Ignatius Book Fairs offer 20% in Ave Dollars or 10% cash back on the total of your sales (excluding tax). For book fairs that sell $6,000 or more, we will increase this offer to 40% in Ave Dollars or 20% cash back.
This is virtual money that can be spent at the end of your book fair in-person, over the payment device, or on our website so that you can buy more books for your libraries, classrooms, or other groups, clubs and organizational needs.
Any Ave Dollars balance can be redeemed on the website.
This feature is coming soon. Ave Wallet will be a digital payment account where you can fund your child’s purchases in advance. Other people, such as grandparents and friends, can also contribute to your child’s Ave Wallet and they can use this to shop at the book fair.
When this feature is available, all you have to do is find your school’s book fair to sign up and add funds. Then just share the link with friends and family, who can do the same. The remaining balance after the fair will become a gift card to shop online with Ignatius Book Fairs or to fund a future Ave Wallet.
This is virtual money that can be spent at the end of your book fair in-person, over the payment device, or on our website so that you can buy more books for your libraries, classrooms, or other groups, clubs and organizational needs.
If you need to cancel, extend, delay, or change book fair dates, please contact your Book Fair Pro as soon as possible. In unexpected cases, the school may be responsible for reimbursing shipping and/or marketing expenses.
Each book fair will be assigned a Book Fair Pro who will be available should any problems arise during a book fair. We are here to help!
If you need to cancel, extend, delay, or change book fair dates, please contact your Book Fair Pro as soon as possible. In unexpected cases, the school may be responsible for reimbursing shipping and/or marketing expenses.
Each book fair will be assigned a Book Fair Pro who will be available should any problems arise during a book fair. We are here to help!
