The atmosphere was decidedly festive; part coffeehouse sophisticated, part social get-together. It was the Liberty and Independence High School Book Fair, and while the plan was to raise money for the school's wish lists, the event was just as much a creative celebration.

Held Oct. 26 at Barnes & Noble in Antioch, the joint fund-raiser was the brainchild of Independence High School teacher Susan Laird. This year, she enlisted the aid of her sister Tobi Benz, a Liberty High School parent. The fair was also manned by members of the Power of Unity Club, and was a first-time event for many of the students.

Sisters Tabitha and Melissa Armstead took the first shift at the book table, and found the whole experience worthwhile.

"It's fun," said Melissa, a junior at Independence. "I'm hoping to coerce my family into coming down and buying me books."

"I can't help being a bookworm," said Tabitha, a senior at Independence, "so this is nice for us."

"It is a nice way to do a fund-raiser," agreed Laird. "Barnes & Noble makes it so easy to do this; they just set everything up for us. This is the third year we've done this and it's a great way to have a book fair."

This year was the first time the fund-raiser included the performing arts aspect.

Featuring musical performances from members of the Liberty High School Choir Department, along with personal poetry readings by students, and short dramatic scenes, the open-mike forum offered students the opportunity to experience a public performance in an intimate setting.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to both schools. Last year, Independence was able to purchase dictionaries, novels and Shakespeare plays with their portion. This year, said Laird, will probably see more of the same.

"We'll have to wait and see how much we get," said Laird, who noted that it takes up to a month to receive the final totals. "But I imagine it will be the same kinds of things. There's always a need."