Hall Co. School District prepares for summer reading initiatives

GAINESVILLE - With summer vacation just about a month away, educators in Hall County are working on ways to keep students reading while the students are out of school.

A committee comprised of media specialists says one part of the plan is something called Little Free Libraries, which is basically a book swap program. The first of the structures have been installed at Gardens on Green at the District Central Office.

Jill Kelly, media specialist at Martin Technology Academy, said she and other media specialists put their heads together and came up with the idea of using the Little Free Library (see web site link below) concept as one component of the school system's Summer Reading Initiative.

"Obviously they can be used year-round, but we are hoping especially during the summertime that in addition to visiting the public library, our students can take advantage of the book swaps in the Little Free Libraries," said Kelly.

Kelly said each school will have one of the mini libraries on campus.

Kelly also coordinated a visit earlier this week for first lady Sandra Deal, who stopped by Central Office to see the Little Free Libraries that have been installed in the Gardens on Green. Mrs. Deal has been traveling the state promoting literacy projects.