Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Money Donated To Start Home Libraries
PRAIRIE GROVE —A $5,000 donation will help purchase books so at-risk students at Prairie Grove Elementary School can start their own home library.
“This is to promote reading,” said Suzanne Ezell, a first-grade teacher.
The project will start in the fall and teachers have identified five at-risk students in each class, kindergarten-second grade. Students will be able to look through a box of books and take home books to keep. The Home Library Project also includes providing at least one book for every student in kindergarten through second grade.
Geron Vail, of Fayetteville, learned about the program while having lunch with Ralph Nesson, Arkansas regional coordinator with Bright Futures. Prairie Grove participates in the Bright Futures program, which has the goal to meet students’ needs so they can succeed in class.
“It piqued my interest,” Vail said. “I’m a reader. It occurred to me that a kid reading in his bed can find himself on the other end of the world. I love the idea and especially would like to help Prairie Grove since my grandson goes to Prairie Grove.”
Nesson said the idea to help students start their own home library began with a first-grade teacher in Springdale. The project was so successful that the school saw children’s literacy skills improve. Springdale School District recently received a $100,000 grant to expand the Home Library program to all elementary schools.
For the first year, more than 100 at-risk children will benefit from the program. The goal is to eventually include children in third and fourth grades.
“We are beyond excited,” said Carmel Perry, who directs the district’s Bright Futures program.