While local children enjoyed a day off from school last Monday to celebrate Columbus Day, the teachers and staff at Big Elm Elementary were having in-service training. Nearly all stayed for the dedication of the school’s new ‘Little Library’, an idea that was introduced in March of last year by one of the school’s fifth graders, Raelynn Yost. of the school’s new ‘Little Library’, an idea that was introduced in March of last year by one of the school’s fifth graders, Raelynn Yost.
Big Elm Assistant Principal Bobbie Jo Harbert read the e-mail she had received from Raelynn to the crowd that gathered. The Shinnston Lions Club was also made aware of Raelynn’s suggestion. She had in fact done a lot of research on the value of having a little library that would be placed outside the school during times when school would not be in session.
Lions members were impressed by how thoroughly she had studied and explored the idea … and they decided to support and help her bring it about.
Using club funding for materials, Lions member volunteers helped build, sand and paint the structure that will give students an enriching opportunity. Borrow a book off the shelf and return it when you’ve read it. OR take a book and bring back another one to share and add to the Little Library’s supply.
Many academic entities concur that having a free little library that offers books for children to read during holidays or during the summer months is an excellent way for students to eliminate, for example, the ‘summer gap’ and to maintain and enhance their reading skills.
Big Elm Elementary School’s Assistant Principal Bobbie Jo Harbert and Principal Donald Powell expressed their deep appreciation for the Shinnston Lions Club’s involvement in this project and for bringing Raelynn’s design to fruition. Big Elm’s ‘Little Library’ has a plaque above its door noting that it is dedicated to Raelynn Yost who played the leading role in promoting its value to students.
For quite some time, Shinnston Lions have exhibited their commitment to literacy by regularly reading to the students; they also purchase Scholastic Readers for Big Elm students to help them improve their reading skills. In addition, Shinnston Lions regularly conduct eye screening at Big Elm and visit them on Flag Day as well to teach young students about the flag’s history and how to show respect for it. It is obvious that the Lions Club and Big Elm Elementary School have become very close partners.
Anyone who might want to make a book donation to the ‘Little Library’ is encouraged to do so. Books from Kindergarten through 5th grade level would be welcomed. They can be placed inside the Little Library; it’s not hard to find – look for the blue and gold glassed-in structure near the school’s front door. Blue and gold colors were chosen to represent the Big Elm Bobcat’s school colors. Help it make a difference by donating a book!