Turning the Page Together at Monarch Landing’s Annual Book Fair

At Monarch Landing, stories do more than fill shelves. They bring neighbors together.

Since 2014, the Annual Book Fair has been a beloved tradition, coordinated by the community’s dedicated Library Committee in partnership with Anderson’s Book Fair Company. What began as a simple idea has grown into a celebration of reading, generosity, and connection.

The most recent fair raised $4,377.72 in books and merchandise, an increase of $605 over the previous year. From those sales, $921.87 in new books were purchased in kind and have already been catalogued and added to the library’s collection. An additional $261.57 will be deposited into the Monarch Landing Library account to support future needs. Just as meaningful, residents and staff donated 100 books to the Ronald McDonald House across from Northwestern Hospital in Winfield.

The fair is coordinated by resident Jackie Plourde, a retired school librarian who moved to Monarch Landing in 2011. In 2014, while speaking with representatives from Anderson’s, she asked whether they had ever considered hosting a book fair in a senior living community. Until that time, their market was schools, but their response was simple. Why not?

Preparation is a hands-on effort. Members of the 27-person Library Committee visit the Anderson’s warehouse to select books, gifts, and fun extras. The company then rounds out the inventory with additional titles and merchandise they believe will resonate with the community.

The fair serves both residents and staff. Shoppers can browse children’s books, adult fiction and nonfiction, large print editions, Spanish language and bilingual titles, games, stuffed animals, and more. Next year, puzzles will join the mix. The Monarch Landing Book Club, which plans its reading list a full year in advance, ensures selected titles are available for purchase, with a copy added to the library as well. Residents and staff can also request specific books ahead of time.

For those who do not need a new book for themselves or family, many choose to purchase one to donate. That spirit of generosity is part of what makes the event special.

Reading is woven into daily life at Monarch Landing. More than 73% percent of residents use the library, and that number continues to grow. Staff members are also encouraged to use the library. Plourde estimates the collection includes approximately 3,400 books. The library is open around the clock, with no due dates and no fines. Residents may check out as many books as they like.

The library features an automated system similar to a public library, donated when Plourde moved in. Residents can check out books electronically or simply write them down, and a library app allows them to browse the online catalogue from home. Books donated by residents help keep the shelves fresh. Those that the library cannot use are taken to Half Price Books, with proceeds supporting new purchases.

When selecting titles, Plourde welcomes requests. Popular genres include nonfiction, mystery and detective stories, romance, and biographies. She also reviews journals and bestseller lists from The New York Times and USA Today for recommendations.

Beyond the shelves, the Library Committee creates rotating hallway displays tied to anniversaries, holidays, and special themes, keeping the love of reading visible throughout the community. An eagerly anticipated design will take place next year in honor of the 100^th anniversary of Winnie the Pooh.

In an age of e readers and digital downloads, residents at Monarch Landing still cherish the feel of a book in their hands. And once a year, at the Annual Book Fair, that shared love of stories turns into something even bigger. It becomes an opportunity to give back, grow the collection, and celebrate the joy of reading together.

Monarch Landing

Monarch Landing is a Life Plan Community located on a scenic campus in Naperville, Illinois-named “one of America’s best places to live and retire” by Modern Maturity, and “the best city for early retirement” by Kiplinger. Monarch Landing offers independent living, promoting a vibrant lifestyle for active seniors.  The Springs at Monarch Landing offers memory supported assisted living, respite care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing services, thus providing complete continuing care for seniors. Monarch Landing is owned by Senior Care Development and managed by Life Care Services®.