Taking the initiative

Students host fundraising read-a-thon to improve Berwick school library

Spencer Armstrong and Mason Coldwell like the library at Berwick and District School but think it could be better.

“It’s fun to hangout and look at the books,” said Spencer, a 10-year-old student from Berwick. “You have so many decisions and then you pick out the book and it’s exciting because you want to go and read that book.”

Mason, an 11-year-old from Berwick, agreed and noted there is a good variety to choose from. But the two would like to see the variety grow and some items added to the library to make the space even more inviting. Spencer suggested maybe a beanbag chair.

“It’d be very soothing,” he said.

Jacqueline Schurman’s Grade 5-6 class and Meg Denyar’s Grade 5 class recently teamed up to host a full day read-a-thon to raise funds for the initiative at the prePrimary to Grade 8 school.

They made forts and dressed up in comfortable clothes and participated in a variety of literacy activities to promote positive reading behaviours.

“We have a lot of readers in both classes. They love the library, they love the library space, so we just had this idea of all-day reading,” Schurman said.

The teachers have teamed up several times during the year to engage the students. They recently held a projectbased learning experience where they made and sold hot chocolate. The funds from that initiative will also be used on the library project.

Denyar said the library has fantastic books, but the students would like to see it be more comfortable for them.

“It’s not conducive for fiveto 13-year-olds using it. And that’s what our cohort of kids is interested in changing,” she said.

Students collected donations or pledges to raise funds during the initiative. More than $1,400 was raised by the 55 students.

“We are floored by the contributions of our school community,” Denyar said. “We

Spencer Armstrong said he likes adventure and fantasy books or a good action novel with lots of plot twists. Spencer and his classmates recently took part in a read-a-thon to help upgrade the library at Berwick and District

are really proud of how well our cohort works together for causes outside of our two classrooms.”

Mason said it was great to see the two classes show the initiative to create the fundraiser that will benefit so many students.

“We’re probably one of the most active classes in the school and it’s quite fun for everyone, I think.”

Spencer said he is looking forward to when the improvements are implemented.

“I just think it will be a very great place for people to relax … and just sit down and read a calming book for a little while,” Mason added during a break from the read-a-thon. “I think everyone did a great job in organizing and setting up all the activities that we’re going to do today.”

Denyar said the project has many benefits.

“I think it will help for the kids to see that their efforts are now reflected in their personal learning spaces,” she said. “(They) are the ones who have made this a comfortable space, (they) are the ones who have brought more people into library on their free time.”

The plan is to do some improvements this year and continue each year.

Schurman and Denyar said they believe the library will be used even more with some of the changes implemented.

“One hundred per cent,” Schurman said. “Anytime students are involved in the planning process … anytime they have ownership in that process, they’re just so much more empowered to use that space.”

Libraries have been evolving in recent years and school libraries have to as well to keep up with what younger generations are looking for. Principal Krista Parrish said there are many benefits to the students’ project.

“I think it will, first of all, give students a feeling like they have some ownership in the building. It is something that they have done and have given to,” she said.

It will also have an impact on the entire school community.

“It will make our library a more student-centred area that they’re comfortable being in, that they want to spend time in,” Parrish said. “They already love the library, but I think it will just take it up to a different level.”