Published: January 26, 2008 07:52 pm      

Upcoming events aim to get kids reading, help school libraries

By Raymond Billy

rbilly@jacksonvilleprogress.com

Two Jacksonville schools will begin their annual push to spark student interest in reading.

Nichols Intermediate School and Joe Wright Elementary School will be holding book fairs beginning Monday. Joe Wright’s fair will end Friday, while the Nichols event will take place thru Feb. 4. Scholastic Corporation — the educational book publishing company — will donate books for the schools to sale. A percentage of the proceeds will go to both schools, which will use the funds to pay for new books to restock their libraries’ shelves, among other purchases.

“We really hope parents will attend because it’s a good chance for them to get their children excited about reading,” said Tammy Cross, assistant principal at Joe Wright Elementary. “For those who can’t attend, they can send a list with their child so teachers will know what kind of books parents want their children to look for.”

Throughout the week, reading teachers will take their classes through the bookstore at varying times throughout the day, to avoid overcrowding. If a student misses his class’ trip to the library, provisions will be made for him or her to go at another time.

Each school will also give its book fair a grander stage. On Thursday, Joe Wright’s library will be open from 5-8 p.m. so that parents who couldn’t make the event during the day can attend along with their children or let their children browse for books while they obtain information about the upcoming Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills during the Family TAKS Night event (see separate story).

Nichols Intermediate will hold its prime-time book fair on Tuesday and it will also be paired with a TAKS informational meeting.

Nichols Intermediate School Principal Tammy Jones shared Cross’ sentiment regarding parental involvement in the event.

“We want as many parents to be involved in this as possible,” Jones said.