Niles Community Schools hosting more pop-up libraries

NILES, Mich. – Niles Community Schools held another pop-up drive-up library Tuesday at Niles High School and Ballard Elementary.

Students were able to take home a book of their choice for free and a free meal through the “Meet Up and Eat Up” program.

This year, in order to keep students, families and staff safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the program is offered via drive-up. Families are encouraged to remain in their vehicles to receive the materials.

One teacher at the district says this event has gone better than expected.

“I didn’t feel like we were, I guess, that busy,” Kelly Westgate, self-contained Special Ed Teacher at Ballard Elementary said. “It felt like oh you know there’s cars, but then a little lull. But when I sat down and added up the numbers, we really were very steady and quite busy. I mean busier than I thought.”

So far the program has served 123 Niles families with 246 books. In addition, they have also served 112 families out of the city.

There will be one more pop-up library event on August 4 at multiple locations. One will be held at Niles High School from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the other will be held at Ballard Elementary from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.