When spring arrived last year, something new bloomed in our school lobby. For two days in April, the space transformed into a lively bookshop filled with tables, shelves, and—most importantly—excited students eager to discover stories. 

It was our very first book fair with Moonwood Books, a small independent bookseller from Prague. Unlike the traditional fairs that feature just one publisher, this one brought a rich variety—Scholastic, Usborne, DK, and many more—all in one place. Students streamed down the stairs to see the more than 1,000 titles spread across the lobby. The buzz of voices, the joy of flipping through brand-new books, and the thrill of choosing something to take home created an atmosphere all its own. 

For Miss Kayla, our head librarian, it was her very first book fair at the school. She remembers it with a smile: the endless coffee, the conversations with students about which books caught their eye, and the genuine excitement of families exploring together. By the end of the fair, more than 8,000 euros worth of books had been sold—an incredible success that earned our library over 1,600 euros in free books. 

Now, as a new school year begins, Miss Kayla and Ms. Ania are busy unpacking, cataloging, and shelving the treasures that came from that event. The process is meticulous, but the results are already showing. 

There are brand-new books tied directly to PYP Units of Inquiry, ready to support classroom learning. There’s a growing collection of graphic novels—always a favorite, especially among PYP2 and PYP3 students—offering both fun and a powerful tool for language learners. In the MYP library, students will find new fiction, including titles they specifically requested at the fair, alongside nonfiction on topics like coding, artificial intelligence, and business. 

The students haven’t missed a beat. They peek in, ask eagerly if the new books are ready yet, and wait for the moment when they can finally take them home. The shelves are filling quickly, and soon the wait will be over. 

Looking back, that spring fair was more than just an event. It was a community moment—a chance for students and families to come together around the love of reading. And looking forward, it has given us a stronger, richer library that will serve our students for years to come. 

We can’t wait to welcome you back into the library this year. Come explore, find something new, and start the next adventure!