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Tuesday, 07/15/03
School library open for rural kids in summer
By ANDY HUMBLES
Staff Writer
Students brought closer to reading
Students at Tucker's Crossroads Elementary School in rural Wilson County
are a long way from a lot of things.
But reading and learning have not been as far away this summer vacation,
because the K-8 Wilson County school has opened up its library each Tuesday.
Felicia Duncan, the county elementary education supervisor, said it
is the first time that she is aware of in her 15 years in the position
that a school in the Wilson system has offered weekly programs and provided
students the opportunity to check out books during summer break.
''We live way out in the country,'' said Betsy Jennings, mother of three
Tucker's Crossroads students. ''We can go to the library in Lebanon, but
it's a lot better driving five minutes instead of 30.''
The library has been open to students 8 a.m. p.m. each Tuesday. Librarian
Leanna Kulas organizes different ''hands-on'' programs each week at 9 a.m.
that have included science experiments, storytelling, puppet shows and
games.
''It's all to create an interest in reading,'' said Tucker's Crossroads
Principal Lori Hassell. ''We are a rural area, and not all kids here have
an opportunity to get into town during the summer because of parents working.
And nowadays kids have to be motivated to read because TV and video games
are such a natural draw.''
Hassell said 50-60 students participating each week is typical.
Seventh-grader Rachel Neal, who works as a helper, thinks opening the
library has created a favorable learning environment for students.
''It helps people read certain books they might not be able to read
during the school year,'' Neal said. ''It's a good opportunity because
reading helps in English, spelling and in a lot of areas.''
Kulas said it has been a mixed group of students attending, both in
age and academic level. Students can read certain books marked for ''accelerated''
readers and earn points for prizes. Parents and siblings also come, although
only students can check out books.
''It's not just the kids in the library every day during the school
year who are here,'' Kulas said.
''It involves the community and gets the community into the library.''
Several teachers and faculty have volunteered to help Kulas, who is
the only paid worker for the summer library program.
''The teachers are motivated,'' Hassell said. ''They want the kids to
read.''
Today is the final Tuesday the library will be open until school begins
Aug. 4. Hassell said she will request that the library be open again next
summer.
Duncan said she would support the program continuing and other schools,
especially those in more rural areas, offering something similar.
Tucker's Crossroads pitched the idea to county schools Director Jim
Duncan, who approved it, including paying the librarian for her time.
''A lot has to do with funding to make sure you can pay the librarian,''
Duncan said ''But, particularly in a community that small that have a long
way to come into town. … It's a service we love to provide.''
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