Kellond Library Welcomes Its Most Important Visitors

After weeks of sorting, labeling, hauling, cleaning, decorating, and reorganizing, the transformed Kellond Elementary School library reached an important milestone in mid-August: the kids came in.

Principal Angela Schiavone introduced students to the changes Altrusa volunteers and Kellond staff have been working on throughout the summer. The goal from the beginning has been to turn a little-used school library into a colorful, welcoming literacy center where children can browse by interest and discover books they want to read.

There were still a few finishing touches underway. Ann Banwell and Elsa Nelson finished alphabetizing the picture books, while Margaret Watson worked on shelf tags for the newly organized collections. Susan Young had previously framed the large posters identifying the different interest sections, adding another piece to Principal Schiavone’s bookstore-inspired vision for the library.

One section Gail Dent is particularly proud of features banned or challenged books. The display explains to students that these are books that have been removed from some libraries because of parent complaints or government decisions. Familiar titles on the shelves give young readers a chance to see for themselves the wide variety of books that have faced challenges over the years.

It’s a fitting addition to a library designed to encourage children to explore, choose, and read.

And the Reading Continues at Tully

While the Kellond project has occupied plenty of Altrusa volunteer hours this summer, literacy work at Tully Elementary School has continued as well.

Altrusa had a presence

at Tully’s open house, where Ann, Bonnie, Margaret, Elda Lopez, and Elaine Wilder set up a table to share information about Altrusa’s work with the school.

Volunteers have also begun another year of Readers Theater with Tully third graders, bringing reading off the page and giving students an opportunity to participate in stories together.

From reorganizing an entire school library at Kellond to sitting down with third graders at Tully, the settings may be different, but the purpose is the same: helping children connect with books and making reading something they can enjoy.