(by Don Meador, Allen County Schools, December 16, 2021)
On a sunny December afternoon, a student classroom from the Allen County Primary Center stepped off the school bus. Each student was carrying a book---a book they would leave behind in hopes of brightening someone else’s life. A few feet away, builders from a local construction firm were setting in concrete the base for a Library Book Box---a box for the books carried by the kids. Now, youngsters visiting the popular play and picnic park not only can enjoy the slides and swings but also leave with a book to read on their way home.
This week’s placement of the Library Book Box at the Roadside Park at White Plains caps a month-long project embarked upon by the third-grade classroom of Lauren Bean.
“Our class wanted to do something for the community after completing EL's Module 1 in the Reading Workshop,” Bean explained. “During Module 1, the students learned why education, books, and reading are so important and about overcoming learning challenges. We read several books, such as My Librarian is a Camel, and discussed the global challenges of access to books and reading materials. After discussing their own learning challenges, my students decided we should do something for our community to give children access to books.”
The class decided that a simple way to help community youngsters was to build a Book Box and place it in a centralized location. The class worked together to design the box. Bean asked local builder Brian Miller to help---a request that Miller embraced. Miller provided the materials and the manpower.
Last month, Bean’s students watched as Miller constructed the box in the parking lot at the Primary Center. Students assisted by holding material in place and helping to paint the box a bright red. The box looks like a small house complete with a shelf, black roof, front window, and overhang. The class also left a signed note on the front glass for the young readers.
After obtaining permission from the City of Scottsville to place the box at the park, plans were finalized. Miller and assistant Caleb Stinson met the children at the park, installed a base to hold the box, and watched as the children---one-by-one---placed a book inside the box.
“We hope to encourage a love for reading and learning, as anyone can stop by the Library Book Box and take a book to read,” Bean said. “Hopefully, community members will leave a book for someone else to read in the box to keep it replenished for everyone.”
Bean notes that not only does the project teach her class about the value of reading but also helps her young minds see the value of service in the community.
“As a teacher, I feel it's important to involve students in their community and involve community members in our classroom and learning experiences. We hope to continue projects with each EL Module.”
The Book Box is located at the entrance beside the parking area at the Roadside Park.
(For pictures from the project, visit here).