If you had the chance to join us for our International Children’s Day celebration on Saturday, April 18th, you likely saw tables overflowing with books for our students to take home. We believe that access to books builds readers, and helping our students grow their personal libraries at home is a vital part of our mission. But where did all these books come from? The answer is a beautiful combination of community generosity and state-wide support.
1. From Our Community
For the past six months, our dedicated volunteers have been working closely with the Whitewater Community Space. They have hand-selected treasures from community donations, ensuring these books find a second life in the hands of our students. It is a true cycle of neighbors helping neighbors.
2. From Our School Libraries
It might surprise you to learn that some of these books come directly from our school shelves! Every year, we "weed" our collection—much like a garden—to ensure we are providing students with the most current and engaging materials. Because library space is limited, we carefully review our collections to see which books haven't been checked out recently. If a book is still in great condition but hasn't found an audience lately, we send it to a new home during events like this to make room for fresh arrivals.
3. The Common School Fund: A Wisconsin Legacy
We are incredibly fortunate to live in a state that prioritizes literacy through the Common School Fund. Established in 1848, this fund was created from state land sales and continues to grow through various state fees and unclaimed property. The sole purpose of this fund is to provide school libraries with the resources they need. Every district in Wisconsin receives an annual distribution based on its population of residents aged 4 to 20. This funding allows Mrs. Retzke and our "Library Squad" to fill our shelves with the very best new titles, ensuring our collection stays modern, relevant, and exciting for all students.
