Article printed in New Jersey Courier News January, 2006

Book fair provider boosts school funds

By ERICA LAMBERG

Correspondent

As a mother of six children, Meryl Raiffe was an experienced and dedicated volunteer of promoting school book fairs. Not only was she volunteering her time at the book fairs, she wanted to ensure the books offered were educational and appealing for children.

"At the time, I was unhappy with the options out there and wanted to improve the book fair concept," she said.

Eight years ago, Raiffe formed Allbook, a book fair business that organizes and provides books for school book fairs. "We started out with a few schools around the area, and today we have fairs at over 100 schools," said Raiffe, co-owner of Allbook, based in the Millington section of Long Hill Township.

Most book fairs are planned for the fall, and Raiffe said schools often use funds raised for school improvements and school equipment and supplies. Once a fair is planned, thousands of books are delivered and are usually sold usually from one to five days during the book fair. At the conclusion of the fair, the school takes a percentage based on total sales. Within the last month, Allbook has launched a new service in which schools can earn proceeds on future book purchases when books are purchased through the company's Web site, www.allbookinc.com, using an account number.

Bedwell Elementary School in Bernardsville is the first school to use this additional selling technique. "It's a great way for schools to earn residual money," Raiffe said.

Raiffe earned a bachelor's degree from Bradley University in Peoria, Ill. A former advertising manager for a financial services company in Florham Park, Raiffe left the professional arena to concentrate on raising her children. "Like other parents, I realize that schools not only need dedicated volunteers but quality fundraising programs to make good things happen," she said. "Books are a purchase where there's true value: its something you can learn from, and it's a keepsake that a person can enjoy over and over again."

For schools not satisfied with their current book fair provider, Raiffe invites them to contact her for more personalized service, a local presence and an expanded selection.

"There's now a choice," she said. "Our customer service and broader selection set us apart from the competition, and we really care about supporting the schools."

STAFF PHOTO BY KATHY JOHNSON

Jill Bailey, left, and Meryl Raiffe, right, along with Joe Bailey, are the owners of Allbook, a book fair provider company based in the Millington section of Long Hill Township.

More Information

Facts:

ALLBOOK

Address: 50 Division Ave., Millington section of Long Hill Township

Type of business: Book fair provider

Owners: Meryl Raiffe, Jill Bailey and Joe Bailey

How long in business: Eight years

Number of employees: 14

Telephone number: (908) 542-0366