Local students show more than a little support for literacy
COLERIDGE — Laurel-Concord-Coleridge Middle School Student Council members have a firm grasp on the importance of reading.
This understanding spurred the group to create a “Little Free Library.”
“The Little Free Library is a way to help the community, especially community members who may not have access to books,” said Student Council member Baylie Graf.
Patrons can take a book new to them, if they have a book to share, they can leave a book for someone else to enjoy. The concept of the little library is similar to the “leave a penny, take a penny concept” used in many stores.
This Student Council committee members are Jayden Campbell, Laney Folkers, Lilyan Fox, Bailey Graf, Joseph Gonzalez, Addison Hoeppner, and Connor Korth-all are fifth or sixth graders.
The little library looks similar to a miniature A-framed house, with a mural just above the doors.
The mural portrays a cat looking out a window onto a scenic view, a book and plant across from the cat. The “Little Free Library” is located just outside the front entrance at the Middle School in Coleridge.
The library had been built several years ago and just never utilized once it was built. When Amy Hall, Middle School Student Council sponsor, shared with the students that someone had built a library to be placed outside for community members to exchange and share books; the students took the lead to get the little library up and going.
Jay Vance, Middle School Principal; Shannon Benson, Middle School Physical Education teacher; and the Middle School custodial staff aided the students to located the perfect, leveled spot for the structure. The committee members have been working on this project since second semester.
“I like to read, and I felt this was good for the community,” said Korth, an avid reader. Once the library was in place, the students were able to stock it with books.
At this time, the books in the “Little Free Library” are mostly geared toward children but the students are hoping over time there will be a larger variety so all in the community can partake, leaving a book they may be done with and taking a new book to enjoy.
The committee came up with a list of rules for patrons. The rules include; take a book, leave a book, make sure the doors on the library are closed, keep the library nice make sure book jackets are kept with the book, and take care of the library please.
“I thought it would be fun to help the community and school; I think being on student council is important so we can do things for both the community and school,” said Folkers, a first-time council member.
“I’ve never been on Student Council and have always wanted to be, the Student Council has been busy doing a lot of things for our school and community,” said Hoeppner.
With this project complete, the Middle School students aren’t done, they have may more projects in the works for the remainder of the school year. The students are also gaining knowledge in how to work as a team, brainstorming, and healthy conflict resolution. All skills they are realizing will carry them throughout their life.
