News Flash

Dec. 7, 2020 - Distance learning brings teachers and their lessons via the computer, but it doesn't let students visit their school libraries. So Hampton City Schools' librarians are taking books on the road. The next visit is Friday, Dec. 11.

The schools pioneered the program in October, when four brightly marked school buses traveled to stops in the to community to offer books to children for checkout. The buses made 28 stops and served approximately 100 families. Nearly 500 books were distributed. 

This time, students can return those books and get more. Books are available for students of all ages, including high schoolers. The bus runs every three weeks, and you can see the stops and times for Dec. 11.

This event was the second bus visit that was coordinated with the school librarians, reading specialists, transportation, Jennifer Lockett of the department of innovation and professional learning, and Kelli Cedo, curriculum leader for language arts. 

Nancy Terrell, teacher librarian at Tarrant Middle School said, “I am so thankful to have the opportunity to participate in the Hampton City Schools Book Bus. Making connections with our families in the community and providing books in a safe environment is a win for our students. It is wonderful to see parents valuing the importance of reading and the joy on their faces as they get to take books home!”

“The Book Bus allowed our kids the chance to come out, browse, and grab a couple new books,” said Thomas Worrell, teacher librarian at Phoebus High School. “It also gave us librarians the chance to make those personal connections that are so important to teaching and reminded us about how rewarding our profession can be when we see a kid light up with excitement over a book.”

View the schools' video about the program.