A new fundraiser has started to help fill the library with books once the new Iola Elementary School is built.
Volunteers with the USD 257 Endowment Association have launched Project Bookshelf, with the aim of buying assorted books for readers at varying grade levels, explained organizer Becky Nilges.
While the district intends to continue using the books from the three elementary school libraries that will close when the new elementary is built, Nilges noted there is still a significant need.
She recalled a conversation with a school librarian about three years ago at a Parent-Teacher Organization.
The library didn’t necessarily need different books, Nilges explained, but rather additional copies of the same book.
“The request led to a discussion about the needs of the library, and what struggles they faced,” Nilges said. “That conversation stayed with me.”
Fast forward to 2019, when USD 257 voters approved construction of the new elementary school.
“I thought, wouldn’t it be nice if we had a lot of new books for the library,” Nilges said.
A few glaring needs are evident even before the school is built.
For one, the fifth-grade classes will be relocated from iola Middle School to the new elementary school, Nilges said.
“We can’t just strip the middle school library of books the fifth grade would need,” she said.
And there are several subjects in which available materials are lacking, particularly for different age levels.
“I believe one of the big class projects each year is on Native Americans,” Nilges said. “There’s a need there.”
Additionally, specialty classes such as art and physical education have begun focusing more on reading curriculum as well.
Add it all up, and you have a pretty glaring need, Nilges concluded.
WITH THAT in mind, Nilges approached librarians and school administrators, and volunteered to lead the endeavor.
