Burchett Elementary School students check out some of the books that are now available in the new Free Little Library located outside their school.
Video: Little Free Libraries – Building Literacy in the Spring Community
HOUSTON – April 15, 2016 – The Burchett Elementary School learning community now has access to even more books thanks to a new “Little Free Library.” Located right outside of their school door, the small colorful, book enclosure shaped like a birdhouse is accessible to anyone who would like to borrow or donate a book.
“The goal is to make books as accessible as possible for our students. So the way we wanted to do that is to put it right out in front of our campus,” said Mike Walker, principal of Burchett, during the installation of the school’s library earlier this month.
While Burchett was the first school to receive the library, it won’t be the last.
As part of the district’s focus on literacy through the Love of Reading Campaign, every Spring ISD elementary campus will receive their own Little Free Library complete with a set of books. Libraries are expected to be erected outside all schools by the end of the school year, just in in time for summer break.
Each campus is responsible for maintaining the libraries, which includes ensuring it is stocked and that it stays clean and dry. They are charged with placing them in locations that are accessible to students and the community that surrounds their campus. Another requirement is to promote use of the library through advertising, events and activities.
“Through the Love of Reading campaign, we hope to create a thirst for reading in not only our students but in our neighbors, friends and business partners. Really we want anyone and everyone who lives in the Spring community to be excited about reading,” said Khechara Bradford, Spring ISD director of literacy. “Hopefully, the Little Free Library program sparks even more interest.”
More than 36,000 libraries can be found across the world as a convenient way to share books, magazines, and other reading material with others. Spring ISD’s collection of libraries was made possible by donations made through the Spring ISD Education Foundation’s gift of reading campaign last fall. Honda of Spring and several individuals supported the purchase of other Little Free Libraries in the district. For additional information, visit littlefreelibrary.org.