Since 1981, the Scholastic Book Fair has shown up in metal cabinets at schools across the country, waiting to unlock childlike wonder and joy. At the “School-Tastic Book Fair for Grown-Ups” on Sunday, that same feeling returned, this time for adults. Tables brimmed with colorful books, nostalgic merchandise and familiar childhood favorites.
Organizing producer Michael Graupmann said the event grew out of a simple idea: pairing childhood reading’s nostalgic appeal with community impact. Proceeds from ticket and raffle sales go directly towards the Austin Ed Fund, which supports innovative programs at Austin ISD schools.
“It’s so important with changes in federal funding and federal (grants), we are super grateful for all of the private funds,” said Cecilia Gutierrez, Austin ED Fund grant coordinator. “All of these different companies … from H-E-B to the local bookstores, but that’s what allows us to turn it into programs at the school level. It’s really amazing and awesome to have such community support.”
Many attendees expressed excitement about the opportunity to relive childhood memories while giving back. Visitors who grew up loving the original Scholastic Book Fairs found themselves searching for favorite titles or picking up playful merchandise reminiscent of their school days.
“I went to the Scholastic Book Fair as a kid and was obsessed; that was my favorite activity growing up in school,” said alumna Emily Jones. “Seeing that they have it for adults was really cool, but also seeing that it’s supporting Austin Public Schools is super exciting.”
Tim Bohlin, Austin Books and Comics showcase manager, said they included small details at the fair to bring participants back to their early reading experiences. From flash tattoos, classic storybooks to traditional yearbook photo props, guests could recapture the sense of wonder that first drew them to literature.
“It’s great to bring nostalgia back,” Jones said. “I noticed one thing they had (was) flash tattoos, and it was all of my childhood favorites (books like “If you Give a Mouse a Cookie”). It inspires me to keep doing more reading because I loved it so much as a kid.”
Local bookstores played a central role in the fair, showcasing their independent selections that might be overlooked at larger chains.
“It’s bringing the community together and we’re showcasing (books to) people that are not Amazon books,” Bowen said. “I immediately thought that would be just a great idea and wanted to be a part of it.”
Graupmann said the fair was meant to foster a lasting community around reading and support for Austin schools.
“I hope that it feels like it’s that childhood delight,” Graupmann said. “I want that same feeling of when you walked into the library and you saw the metal carts full of books … you had that feeling of possibility that was there. I want people to have that same feeling.”