'Walk to Read' simply inspiring

By Trudy Marshall
Executive Director

Laurel Mountain Elementary students.

Principal Jan Richards.

Remarkable indeed – students helping students!

 

The Libraries of Love Board stands amazed at the results of an event, ‘Walk to Read’ which was conceived by Jan Richards, principal at Laurel Mountain Elementary, where I served as librarian for 10 years. LME helped facilitate the first Ugandan library in 2005 and has continued their support through kind words, books, and funding each year.

The recent ‘Walk to Read’ event integrated learning, physical fitness, and philanthropy. Students in area  schools learned about children who have no books, and decided, yes, they could join others and do something to change that situation. Round Rock ISD elementary schools participating were

• Blackland Prairie
• Canyon Creek
• Elsa England
• Jollyville
• Laurel Mountain
• Old Town
• Spicewood

Posters of Ugandan students with books were displayed at each school. Lessons plans and materials were provided by Libraries of Love so that each day the students learned new facts about the daily life in school and at home of students in Uganda. Also, I had the pleasure of showing a video and sharing information about Libraries of Love at an assembly at each school.

INSPIRING CULMINATION EVENT 

 

The entire student body at each school carried a book and walked for a distance around the school track to signify students in Uganda who hurry to school to read first thing in the morning. After walking, the students all sat down, opened books, and read together. How I wish I had been there! What a sight that must have been - entire student bodies, all ages, sitting together outside and reading.

We are humbled that these wonderful students /school communities not only donated hundreds of books, but also donated over $19,000 to help with the expense of shipping and cost of four new libraries! The Board and LOL team are extremely grateful to these generous students, and their families and friends. They not only
understood the need, but took action. We send a special thank you to Jan Richards for sharing with other administrators, resulting in ‘Walk to Read.’

Students at Ugandan Martyrs Primary school read books provide by Libraries of Love.

Kampala school librarians meet

 

The 17 Libraries of Love librarians in Kampala were thrilled to be together again recently. Listening to them give examples of students who love to read made my day. We spent the afternoon discussing ways to encourage reading and what needed to be taught to students. I can’t say enough about these precious young ladies and men who love their jobs, and love being part of the Libraries of Love-Uganda family. We are fortunate and honored to have them serve as our librarians.