OLDTOWN — For a moment, Idaho Hill Elementary’s library became the loudest room in the building when students heard the news: they would be receiving hundreds of new books.
The school was awarded $3,000 by the state-run Idaho Lottery last week to expand its library’s offerings, thanks to a grant application drafted by former librarian Renee Gamber. Lottery officials visited Oldtown on Nov. 12, and when an oversized check was presented to librarian Shawna Huggler, the room of second graders erupted with joy.
“We find the kids coming in more and more asking for different titles that we don’t have,” Huggler said. “There’s definitely a need.”
The funds will help staff stay up to date on students’ favorite series, including Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Pig the Pug and Dork Diaries, along with choose-your-own-adventure stories.
According to Idaho Lottery spokesperson David Workman, the organization’s Bucks for Books program will award $50,000 this year to help schools across the state fortify their libraries. The annual program launched in 2019 after state officials recognized a need across Idaho.
“During Governor Little’s very first Capital for a Day, our director was approached by the director of the Idaho Commission for Libraries,” said Workman. “They told us that about 28% of schools had $100 or less for new book acquisition.”
To solve the problem, the organizations teamed up. In the partnership, the lottery donates dividends from ticket sales and the libraries commission reviews applications from schools in need. North Idaho’s Whitman Elementary in Lewiston and Lakeside Elementary in Plummer joined Idaho Hill as recipients of $3,000 awards this year; to date, 126 Idaho schools have received Bucks for Books grants, with a total of $325,000 awarded.
Ensuring grade schoolers have access to desirable books for hobby reading benefits students on two fronts. Along with helping them develop foundational literacy skills, students reading for fun form a substantive habit that can lead to a lifetime of independent education.
“Keep reading, keep exploring the world through books,” Workman told the Idaho Hill second graders. “It’s a great tool, because if you learn to read well at this age, you will be very successful much later in life.”
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