"Thank you for creating this program. I have a lot of very poor children but they can afford to buy new books that are good too, for only $1. It is really a wonderful thing you do and I very much appreciate it."

Nancy Baumann Media Specialist (and Proud Student-Run Bookstore Faculty Advisor) Barnett Shoals Elementary School

Battiest Elementary Student-Run Bookstore Overview:

Battiest Elementary 5th & 6th grade students are getting real-life lessons in business by running a bookstore. After filling out job applications, and being interviewed, cashiers, salesmen, clerks and Advertising/PR executives were hired to work in Bookworm Paradise. The bookstore is open from 11:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. each day and is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 7:30 a.m. until 8:00 a.m.


Tell us why you find this program has been so rewarding:

The store improves access to childrenís literature for the community by offering books at bargain prices and allows our students to become acquainted with the free enterprise system.


Tell us about promotional activities you have done for Bookworm Paradise:

On October 16, 2006, the GRAND OPENING of ìBOOKWORM PARADISEî was held with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Mrs. Davis held a ìName the Bookstore Contestî before the grand opening. Corby McGrath, a student, submitted the winning name; he received $10.00 worth of merchandise from the bookstore. The bookstore also opens for special occasions and will be open during ìReading Night Outî which is held on the first Thursday of each month from 5 p.m. to 7p.m.


How has the Student-Run Bookstore filled a need in you school and community?

ìTo get kids reading, you need to get books into their hands, and to get books in their hands, it helps to make them easily affordable.