District Launches Open Library Hours and Book Bus Initiative to Keep Students Reading Throughout the Summer
Need some great books to take to the beach or to curl up with under a tree? The Washington Township Public Schools has launched two initiatives to keep students reading and engaged in learning throughout the summer.
Open Library
The District opened the libraries at all six of its elementary schools, as well as at all three middle schools and the high school, to students on July 7th. Students will continue to have access to the facilities every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the elementary level and 12-3 p.m. at the secondary level, through August 18, 2021. Rising sixth graders are encouraged to access books at their new middle school. Rising ninth graders are invited to stop by the Washington Township High School IMC.
“In addition to the book swap/lending library model that is being staged all the elementary schools, we are inviting our middle and high school students to stop by either to find a comfy, cool spot to relax with a book, or to check a few books out and take them home to enjoy,” Middle Level and High School ELA Supervisor Melissa Barnett said. “They also can go online to reserve books for pick-up in the schools’ main offices. This is good way for our secondary students to work through their summer reading assignments. Our librarians have been trained in all our literary digital platforms and are able to assist kids who bring their laptops and want to make use of these learning options. The goal is to have our students, at all levels, open their books and their minds and read, read, read!”
Summer Book Bus
The District also recently launched its mobile library, the Summer Book Bus.
The Summer Book Bus will offer books and other literacy materials directly to students on Wednesdays throughout the summer (July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4,11,18, 25) at the following locations:
- County House Village (by the Clubhouse): 11:10-11:40 a.m.
- Millstream Apartments (by the Office): 11:50 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
- Washington Way Apartments (between Buildings C & E): 12:30-1 p.m.
- Birches Apartments (lot by Fries Mill Road): 1:15-1:45 p.m.
- The Meadows Apartments (near the School Bus Stop): 1:50 -2:20 p.m.
- Woodmont Apartments (by the Office): 2:25-2:55 p.m.
Washington Township High School students Lainey (left) and Ryan Palmer had their mother, Jennifer, make a stop at the school library.
Hurffville Elementary School students Zoey, Zander and Alexia Arbelo hopped on the Summer Book Bus on its first rounds in the community.
Chestnut Ridge Middle School student Joella McCarron found a great spot for some quiet reading.