Donated Books

Recently, more than 2,700 books were donated to Amarillo ISD students after organizers of a downtown music festival chose to collect books in exchange for admittance. The book your student is bringing home today is one of those donated books. 

Participants of the book drive and attendees of the music festival gathered books for six weeks before the event. More than 500 of the books were donated prior to the event at Mustard Wellness Center. The idea came from Dr. Jack Mustard, an Amarillo chiropractor who is also in a band.  He suggested that in lieu of money for entrance, participants bring gently used books.  His goal was to be able to give a book to children to encourage reading at home.  School librarians sorted the books by grade level.  We were excited to learn that Lawndale 2^nd grade students were selected to receive books!

Dr. Jack Mustard said, “We were excited to work with AISD because we knew they would be able to locate the children where these books could be given, taken home, and dreams created. I can see a long-term partnership with the musicians, bands and artists in Amarillo to continue supporting the needs of the community and children.” Mustard said, “I believe this is just the start of local events which will offer support to those in need.”

“Research shows children who have easy access to as much good reading material as possible at home, will become better readers and perform better academically,” Lorraine Mettham, director of library services said. “When children read at home, it reinforces the concept that reading is a life-long skill. Reading with family members creates a culture of literacy which benefits everyone.”

A big thank you from Mrs. Lawson's 2nd grade class!