Niles Community Schools launches pop-up library program

NILES, Mich. -- Thanks to a few grants and some research, a new pop-up library program has Niles Community School students not only reading, but reading for free.

The school purchased over 10,000 books so kids are able to have their pick of just about any story. Donna Roark, Assistant Superintended for Curriculum and Personnel says she hopes the program reduces summer learning loss. 

"Summer school doesn't do what it's intended to do, it doesn't keep the learners, it doesn't improve their learning. It really just keeps them at the same level that they were at,” said Donna Roark. 

The school district is hoping these libraries will help reduce summer learning loss in students and encourage them to be lifelong readers.

About 150 students showed up at the first pop-up library.

"I absolutely love it. It gives them an opportunity to get out of the house and socialize with other kids and he loves reading, so to be able to get a new book to bring home to read at night together, it's pretty awesome," said parent Amanda O'Connor.

Roark says the school district hopes to continue the program in future summers as well. 

"We care. We care about our kids. We're invested in our kids. We want our kids to grow and learn and we're here to support them throughout the summer even when they're not with us," she said. 

The library will be available to Niles Community School students at the following dates and locations:

·         Monday, July 16 from 12 to 12:30 p.m. at Northside Child Development Center, 2020 North Fifth Ave
·         Wednesday, July 18 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. at Birchcrest Estates, 2330 East Main Street
·         Wednesday, July 25 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. at Sholtey Park, 2547-2553 Huntly Road
·         Monday, July 30 from 12 to 12:30 at Niles Library, 620 Main Street