Working to fight the summer slide, Roach Elementary School encouraged its students to continue learning after the last bell rang, inviting them to its library every Wednesday throughout June and July. Librarian Libby Odom helped launch the new summer program, which drew dozens of families to the campus.
“After learning about how much children lose in the summer if they are not reading, I began thinking about what we could do to help with that,” Odom said. “We do not have a public library really close to us, plus I needed something to do this summer, so I thought I would keep the library open during the break.”
In order for that idea to come to fruition, Odom and Principal Jeanette O’Neal wrote a proposal to present to Area Director Wendy Eldredge—who loved the concept.
“She just jumped on board. She even got us some reusable bags for the kids who come to check out books,” Odom said. “I want the kids to have access to books and the parents to feel like this is a place they can visit. I want us to be open and friendly, and want parents to know what is going on at school.”
The longtime librarian’s action proved to strike a chord with the community, as Odom has circulated more than 625 books to more than 35 families since June 10.
Sarai Ruiz and her two sons, Brandon and Kevin Torres, are one of the families that took advantage of Roach’s library this season.
“This is a true benefit for me as a mom because I have to keep my sons busy for three months. I do not want them to just be on the phone or watching TV,” Ruiz said in Spanish. “We wanted them to continue reading throughout the summer, but do not have enough books at home—especially Spanish-language ones. This library has a variety of Spanish books that are on their reading level, which is great because they love to read.”
Fourth-grader Amy Rosas also enjoyed the resource during the break. The future veterinarian was happy to learn that discovering new animals was just a walk away.
“In the year, I am busy with schoolwork and do not have a lot of time to read. But in the summer, I get more time to find out about more animals,” the 9-year-old said. “It is important to read in the summer so that when you go back to school, you can still read as well as you did before, and maybe even better.”
Although the program ended its inaugural run July 29, students like Rosas and the Torres brothers still have plenty of time to relish in reading, as Odom is allowing them to keep books until the first week of school.
“I feel like this has been a success. To see parents coming in and being so appreciative about what we are doing has been a real positive thing,” she said. “I have loved this experience. It has been really fun for me and I hope to do it next year.”