By Ainsley Hall
MARTINSBURG — Opequon Elementary School is giving all its students books to take home during its first book swap event.
The school’s librarian, Allison Bixler, organized the event to give students the chance to pick out a book they like and encourage kids to enjoy reading.
Bixler first came up with the idea after talking with another librarian, who put together a similar event. After getting book donations from parents, staff members and other people in the community, students can bring in books to swap out with other books or choose a completely new book without worrying about paying.
Since School Library Month is in April, Bixler thought it would be the perfect time to have the event.
“Once I had the idea, I knew I wanted to do it in April,” Bixler said. “Of course, I celebrate literacy every day, but it’s nice to have a month dedicated to it. It’s nice to do something special and encourage reading.”
From 9-11 a.m., kids pick out a book during their library class time. The book swap works similar to the book fair, which Opequon Elementary School also did in the fall. However, the main goal for the event is that every child goes home with a book to enjoy at home with their family.
As Bixler went through the donated books, it reminded her of how she first got into reading herself.
“I remember reading some of the titles we got when I was a kid,” Bixler said. “Going through the books just brought back so many memories of growing up and reading with my own son. People are also so generous and donated so many great titles.”
Bixler has been the school librarian for five years, with a total of 18 years of experience in education. She is passionate about working with students and teaching them to learn to love reading.
“I love reading myself, so being able to spark that love for the kids and share that with them is really fun for me,” Bixler said. “I always try to make read-out-loud events that are fun and interactive to help get the kids excited.”
Bixler hopes to make this an annual event for the school and might even create a book swap event for the staff and other adults someday in the future. She is excited to continue to spread the joy of reading to the next generation.
“I truly have the best job in the school system,” Bixler said. “Growing up, I used to visit a special library that made reading fun for me. Being able to read and share books with everyone is truly special.”