BUCYRUS — The Bucyrus Elementary School library developed a free little library outside the school building this summer called, “The Book Bot.” This new addition was designed to help promote reading to students and families throughout the summer.
After the Book Bot was unveiled on Facebook, members of the Town and Country 4-H Club decided to collect books and donate them to the school’s free library. The members spent a month collecting 27 books for the cause.
“Alivia Lewis suggested donating books to an organization and the Book Bot was a perfect fit,” Town and Country adviser Cindi Welsh said. “Our club has strong ties to BES, including Bailey Plumley (current Bucyrus High School student and Book Bot designer), Alivia and Makyla Ferris (former BES students) and Carter Moyer (current BES), and the members liked that they were able to help locally.”
Elementary School Librarian Diane Kaple first saw the idea for the Book Bot on Pinterest, and approached Plumley to help her develop a design that would grab students’ attention. Bailey chose the robot design because the shape of the old newspaper box matched well.
“Our main goal is to create a love of reading and I think we’re achieving it,” Kaple said. “I’m so happy Book Bot has been so successful. It’s everything I hoped it would be and more.”
The Book Bot has been the center of attention this summer at the elementary school. Children can be seen walking hand in hand with parents and caregivers from both sides of the street to relax and enjoy a good book.
“It’s awesome to see how our librarians’ have developed a program that has created such a positive interaction with our school community,” Literacy and Gifted Coordinator Carrie Wood said. “I’ve witnessed young and old enjoying the moment around a good book and good company.”
Town and Country 4-H Club members who participated in the book donation project included: Blake Beckley, Connor Lester, Alivia Lewis, Makyla Ferris, Bonnie Welsh, Zoey Shulaw and 2 Cloverbuds, Allyson Liming and Carter Moyer. Club advisers Cindi Welsh, Michelle Liming and Zendra Raypole helped oversee the project with the members.
“Bucyrus is a community of wonderful people who go above and beyond to help others,” Superintendent Kevin Kimmel. “On behalf of the Bucyrus City School District, I would like to thank the Town and Country 4-H Club members and advisers for helping enhance reading opportunities for Bucyrus children through their donation to the Book Bot.”
To learn more about the Elementary School’s summer reading program and the Book Bot, please contact Diane Kaple at [email protected] or Kim Binnix at [email protected].
