Book Fair Expands Community Giving

There was much excitement on campus for our 72nd annual Kinkaid Book Fair, November 6, 7, and 8! The Ogilvie Lobby of the Katz Performing Arts Center provided a new and different flow to Book Fair, and we embraced it and the exciting changes happening on campus with the new construction.

Chaired by Allison Wise, Hope Young, and Casey Hedges, this three-day long community event kicked off with Family Night. Families enjoyed dinner catered by Moderno Tacos + Tex Mex as well as dessert graciously donated by CRAVE cupcakes. Tunes from a local mariachi band filled the night, while guests enjoyed special appearances by Gurple, our beloved Book Fair mascot.

The Ogilvie Lobby was converted into a bookstore with a vast selection of over 8,000 books, including new releases and old favorites. Over 100 volunteers, as well as faculty and staff, curated the title recommendations within each section for a well-rounded reading and shopping experience. We were excited to spotlight six authors this year: Darcie Little Badger, Victoria Jamieson, Laura Moore, Mary Moreland, Anna and Sophia Nguyen, and Marcia Smart. Book Fair isn’t only about books, though! We had an amazing Book Fair Boutique, where a variety of custom-designed Kinkaid merchandise items were sold! Our Coffee and Cookies Bar was back in action, which is always a hit!

This year, Book Fair launched an inaugural community service project, “Fill the Shelves,” to support the Faris D. Virani Library at KIPP Connect Houston Primary. A forever Falcon, Faris Virani, passed away in January of 2017 after a courageous battle with Ewing sarcoma. The Virani family, in honor of Faris, opened the library at KIPP Connect in January of 2020. At Book Fair, books requested by the Faris D. Virani Library were available for purchase to be delivered to KIPP Connect after the conclusion of Book Fair. This was a special addition to this year’s Book Fair, which we hope to grow in the years to come.

The Kinkaid Book Fair provides a significant portion of the yearly budget for Kinkaid’s three incredible libraries.