The tables in the library at Edmund W. Miles Middle School in the Amityville Union Free School District were covered with books as the school hosted its annual free book fair. It was organized by librarian Lynn Cesiro to foster reading in the school and at home.

During parent-teacher conferences on Dec. 1, parents were able to select books for themselves as well as their children. The following day, students were invited down to choose a book to take home. There were fiction and nonfiction books on a variety of topics, along with a special section for ninth-graders and picture books that students could take for a sibling.

This year’s theme was “Warm Up With a Good Book.” Ms. Cesiro said that all of the books were donated and the fair opened with thousands of available selections. She said this is the third time she has done the free event, and the goal was to allow students to find books that interest them without them being limited by price.

“The purpose is to get books in the kids’ hands,” said Ms. Cesiro. “We’re trying to create a culture of reading.”

After selecting their books, students were able to have their pictures taken in a large social media-inspired frame in front of books shaped to look like a Christmas tree.

The library is now using mobile technology to communication with students.