Lit Lovers Book Club

Funded Nov 22, 2014

I recently became a librarian at an inner-city, high poverty middle school in Sacramento. The library had been closed for two years due to economic shortfalls in California's budget. New books had not been on the shelves in nearly four years, and sadly, we had no budget this year either. We now had a librarian, but we did not have a collection that was enticing or vibrant. The best selling young adult books that students wanted, were nowhere in sight. The implications were that students did not value reading, they did not enjoy reading, and reading for pleasure was not within their sphere of experience. It was for a few, but teachers were not able to require students to have a reading book with them, because the students had no access to a library or books beyond the teacher's own class library.

When I came into the school, the students were hungry for a place that allowed them the freedom to learn about the things that interested them and to delve into reading that was exciting, not proscribed. The library has been that place for them, and what's more the book club has been a transformative place for students to develop their reading, their ideas and opinions, and to grow socially and emotionally. They are able to commune and discuss, and they are so excited to have titles that are current and relevant to their experience. The majority of these students do not have money to spend on books; they are a luxury. Getting these books into the hands of our students has enlivened them and it makes them feel proud and special. It lets them know that they are deserving and that reading is a positive and engaging experience.

Three wonderful things have transpired since receiving these books. The first is a bestseller project that two of the English Teachers developed using the books you helped purchase as the basis for group reading projects in all of their eighth grade classes. So, not only did my book club students get to read them, but so did eight other classes! Another part that makes my heart sing is driving out of work and seeing my book club kids so engrossed in their books that they walk into their friends, or I see them at the bus stop with their heads buried in the books. I have also received numerous requests from kids to join the book club when they see what we are reading, so I am trying to figure out how to have two going simultaneously by switching up the books. The final thing that has merged from creating a book club, and specifically from your donation was a Read-to-a-Dog Literacy Event, that we held for second graders from our local elementary school. Your books brought up a discussion about people helping people in the community, and with the support of the Sacramento Public Library and the Lend-a-Heart, Lend-a-Hand organization, we helped students who are learning to read. Your donation prompted the discussion about how we might not have any money, but we can make a difference to people's lives. I am including a link to the event, but I am not sure how long this will be posted on our website. http://www.scusd.edu/e-connections-post/einstein-provides-unique-literacy-experience-sequoia-students

I cannot thank you enough for your generosity in supporting our students. Your donations have helped to change the culture of our school to one where students walk around with books in their hands and where it is not unusual to hear them talk about what they're reading. They always ask about the book club, "What's next Mrs. Turkie?" or I have some students sneak into the library on their way back from the restroom before heading back to class to ask if they can get a copy of The Maze Runner, too (kids I would never expect to see in the library!). I wish I could show you the faces and the passion and the emotions and the critical thinking that come out in our book club, but take my word, it is all there. And it is all possible because of your tremendous hearts. Thank you so, so much!”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Turkie