Pre-Service Teachers Organize Book Drive to Help Build Classroom Libraries

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Clockwise from top left, pre-service teachers Ashley Chapman, Erin Murabito, Claire Lindley and Katie Jo Wright.

In a state where just under 500,000 adults function at or below basic literacy skills, according to Literacy Action of Central Arkansas, reading is more important than ever. 

Four pre-service English teachers in the College of Education and Health Professions B.A.T. program in secondary English education are making sure that books are more than just a school requirement. Ashley Chapman, Katie Jo Wright, Claire Lindley and Erin Murabito created a book drive for students to enjoy reading and become captivated by the world of literature.

"Starting a book drive was an idea that was thrown out there, and we ran with it," Wright said. "Reading is the gateway to knowledge, empathy and self-discovery for students. Through books, we grow not only their minds but also their hearts. Books empower them to make a change." 

The drive was initially created to allow all students access to books as well as encouragement in a classroom setting. In the teaching world, not all pre-service teachers or students have the resources to cultivate a space full of books. The donated books are used to create classroom libraries and serve as a vessel for inspiration. 

In an effort to educate and spread the word about their work, the group made a website highlighting the reasons the four women wanted to become teachers, as well as their deep love for literature.

The group is currently accepting book donations through April 20 and plans to host the book drive May 4-5 at a location to be determined.

"If we are able to promote a love of reading within kids, a solid understanding of grammar and the English language will follow. A love of reading as a child is how I began to understand how to write and the reason why I am a writing tutor today," Lindley said. "I hope that through this book drive, we are able to promote a love of literature within future students and open up the many doors that literature provides for them."

According to the Saber Healthcare Group, reading allows for myriad benefits, including vocabulary expansion, knowledge and focus improvement, stress relief and the promotion of educational skills. 

"Reading is important not just for students, but for everyone! Reading is a way people grow empathy and understanding," Chapman said. "When students, and people in general, engage with different texts, they are not just growing empathy, but they are also growing their creativity and tolerance for understanding. The mind is a beautiful thing, and training through reading and letting it explore on its own is oh so valuable."

Sean Connors, an associate professor in English education, said that budget cuts have meant less access to literature materials for both teachers and students.

"I suspect many parents would be surprised to learn that teachers often end up spending their own money to build classroom libraries," Connors said. "The fact that our students have taken the initiative to organize a community book drive that will help not only them but other beginning teachers put books in the hands of students who need them is not just inspiring. It speaks to why the College of Education and Health Professions is known on campus as the 'caring college.'"

The College of Education and Health Professions Department of Curriculum and Instruction prepares students for many careers in education and helps those interested in the field achieve licensure.