Students from Pierce County High School (PCHS) took over the most recent meeting of the Pierce County Family Connection to show off their progress with the Books for Bears initiative.
Five students from PCHS spoke at the student- led meeting, sharing details of their Student Leadership Academy legacy projects. Books for Bears took center stage, showing off the recently completed first of what is hoped will be 12 new little lending libraries.
A weather-resistant kit purchased from Amazon and was assembled for the Student Leadership Academy by the PCHS shop class. The response to the on-hand display was so positive several of those present requested a link to where it could be ordered.
“The Friends of the Library and some other do-nors helped pay for our first two replacement little libraries,” says Stephanie Bell, director of Pierce Family Connection, “So we are hoping more community members and organizations will want to pitch in.”
The ultimate goal of Books for Bears has changed from repairing and refurbishing the currently dilapidated little lending libraries to replacing them outright with these new kits. Ten need to be replaced around Pierce County and the Student Leadership Academy would also like to place two more in new locations at Pierce County Middle School and PCHS.
While Books for Bears literacy initiative might have been center stage, the students also gave updates on their other legacy projects: Just Because and Rec and Connect. Just Because is a mental health initiative promoting positivity and mental health at PCHS. Rec and Connect is a joint venture with the Rec Department to highlight teamwork and physical health.
For those interested in supporting the Books for Bears by purchasing one of the little lending library kits, scan the QR accompanying this article. For more information or other ways you can help, please call Stephanie Bell at 912230-7835.
