Augusta book bus aims to drive a lifelong love of reading
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Bayvale Elementary School has been gifted a bus that’s now being converted into a book bus.
The principal of Bayvale Elementary School noticed a problem with literacy rates when she saw the school’s test scores.
She says she knew she had to do something to help.
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Eight percent of students at Bayvale scored at or above the proficient level for reading.
Therefore, the primary goal of Book Bus at the Bay is to promote literacy by bringing books directly to the community.
The goal is to encourage reading habits and a love for books among children and adults and intern bridge, the gap in access to educational resources.
“We are working every hour that we possibly can to get donations. And that is in the way of manpower or materials to get this bus ready for the community to come out and enjoy a reading space,” said Shaunta Taylor, the principal of Bayvale.
The bus will also serve as a community hub and provide a space for people to gather learn and interact with each other in an environment centered around literature.
“I wanted to do something innovative and exciting, but still address our school improvement goals,” said Taylor.
Taylor also said the bus will also be filled with books that reflect cultural diversity and promote understanding and appreciation of other cultures through literature.
“We serve a diverse population, so that no matter what your language is, we may be able to get you to engage with your children,” said Taylor.
Taylor says the bus is open to kids at the school, but she encourages them to bring along their younger siblings.
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“To attack literacy at a younger age and awareness of literacy and engagement with literacy, and at some point, that becomes the impact to test scores and just learning in general,” she said.
Lastly, she said the bus represents an innovative approach to library services adapting to those who may face geographical or economic challenges in accessing traditional library facilities.
For now, the bus will be in the Bayvale Elementary School parking lot and will be open for the community one evening a week and one weekend a month.
Taylor says she is always looking for donations and volunteers so that the community can enjoy the bus more frequently.
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