Finding Themselves While Reading (Developing More Diversity in the Library)

Funded Mar 3, 2020

I cannot thank you enough for supporting this project about diversifying titles within the school library. Hard to believe this project was getting funded just as all "this" started to happen. Covid has certainly changed our lives and this project was touched by it.

Our school converted to virtual learning in March and Donors Choose held the books you helped purchase until the fall and the hopeful return to school. Well, that didn't happen. Our district decided to be in a virtual setting for the first semester (at least) for the safety of staff and students. I had the books shipped to the schools thinking I might have a way to get them into the hands of students. It has been a slow process and I honestly feel a little helpless this semester trying to reach our students. But I do what I can without overloading the students while they attempt this new normalcy of learning online given the numerous distractions they may face on the other side of the screen and classroom expectations.

I am in the process of trying to circulate these titles to students via a curbside service to put physical books into the hands of students. We (librarians) had to wait for district approval to enact this option for students and now I hope to have these books get into their hands. The district is promoting eBooks and other online reading programs, which I fully understand - but also know I am fully underfunded to offer great eBooks as well...

One thing I did was highlight For Every One by Jason Reynolds online. It is such a great book and I highly recommend watching the 20 minute reading of the book by the author. It is so good and such a lesson to keep going, even when the world seems against you. I will continue to do this for these titles as the year progresses. We had an online discussion about it and students seemed to enjoy the message.

I will also be highlighting many of these titles with various book talks and online promotions.

I hope to update you with any progress concerning this project but wish that you offer me grace if it is not in a timely manner. The world might have been turned sideways, but educators will find a way to endure. Once students can get their hands actually on these books, I know they will become some of the most popular in the library and our tradition of reading will continue. Thank you again for helping to change the lives of some great kids.”

With gratitude,

Mr. Eifling