The Book Fest Club’s first ever bake sell was a huge success; the members managed to raise $498, which they used to buy 43 new books for the library. Book Fest Club members went to Books-a-Million on Jan. 26 to pick out and purchase books for the library that they felt teens would enjoy.
“We [got] a lot of more teen appropriate books,” senior Andrew Lusk said. “We really just wanted to get some new books that everyone would like.”
Librarian Emily Ransom said that the club’s donation to the library will be good for many different reasons.
“The library really needs newer books that teenagers like to read,” Ransom said. “And now they’ll have an investment in what’s in [it].”
The Book Fest Club donates books every year, but this is the first time those books have gone to the school.
“The last two years we gave books to the domestic violence center,” Book Fest Club sponsor Anne Burke said. “This year we thought it would be more beneficial, since we’re the teen book club, to give back to teens at our school.”
The library has actually received several donations recently. Along with the books from the Book Fest Club, it has also been the recipient of three grants.
“[We] got about a $1,000 grant from E-Z Mart,” Ransom said. “[We also received] a $500 grant that I’m going to buy a digital camera for teachers to use. I’m also planning on getting a digital photo frame with a slide show of new things that we have in the library.”
The largest grant, however, was a foundation grant Ransom requested. She received a $5,000 grant that she has big plans for.
“I’m going to get new teen books, and I’ve started this graphic novels collection,” Ransom said. “I’m also going to get books that are on CDs and DVDs.”
This new, improved library will also be open more; the new library aide will ensure that the library will be available for students to use beyond school hours.
“Since we got our new library clerk, the library will now be until 5 every week day except Friday,” Ransom said. “I’m really excited for all the new changes.”
