Over the past several years, Greenbriar’s library was used sporadically by teachers and rarely by students. The collection focused primarily on teacher and instructional resources. When staff prepared to use the library as a Specials classroom at the beginning of this school year, it became clear that student choice, reading for enjoyment, and high-interest books had been unintentionally left behind.

As student access to the library was restored, the impact of this gap quickly became apparent. Students struggled to find books that matched their interests or reading levels. Popular series were missing key titles, making it difficult for students to read sequentially. Graphic novels and early chapter books—some of the most requested materials—were in short supply, leading to long waitlists and lost reading momentum.

National Library Week reminds us why this matters.

Research consistently shows that students who read for pleasure are significantly more likely to succeed academically.

“The National Literacy Trust reports that children who read for pleasure are five times more likely to read above grade level, and the OECD identifies reading for enjoyment as a stronger predictor of academic success than socioeconomic status or parental education.” explains Teacher Librarian, Kara Pulley. 

At Greenbriar, a Title I school serving a diverse student population with many students performing below grade level in English/Language Arts, fostering a culture of joyful reading is not supplemental. It is essential.

Putting Students at the Center

Now in her fifth year as a Teacher Librarian, and after more than 15 years teaching in Washington Township, Ms. Pulley has seen firsthand the impact well-supported school libraries can have across the district. Upon arriving at Greenbriar Elementary, she recognized an opportunity to reestablish the library as a welcoming, student-centered environment where choice empowers readers.

Over the course of the school year, WTS Foundation grants have allowed Pulley to take intentional steps toward rebuilding the collection. By supplementing the annual library budget to prioritize popular series, high-interest/low-readability titles, and stories featuring strong female characters and relatable experiences, the grants are helping students see themselves in books and rediscover the joy of reading.

Can I be Your Author?

One of those grants also made possible a visit from Hoosier children’s author and illustrator Troy Cummings, best known for The Notebook of Doom and Can I Be Your Dog? This was Greenbriar’s first author visit in more than five years, and for many students, their first opportunity to meet someone with a career in writing.

Cummings met with all grade levels, sharing his childhood story, his journey to becoming an author and illustrator, and his creative process. Students were captivated as he demonstrated how he draws new characters in real time and invited them into lively question-and-answer sessions. 

The visit brought reading comprehension to life for some of Greenbriar’s youngest learners. Kindergartener Jamison shared, “ The author says he likes to give us little clues in his books, to kind of help you figure it out.” 

Afterward, students had the opportunity to meet Cummings one-on-one, have books signed, and talk about their own ideas.

“One especially inspiring moment came when Troy challenged students to create their own Notebook of Doom-style monsters by combining their favorite zoo animal with an item from their refrigerator,” Pulley shared. “The activity immediately captured their imaginations, and many students left eager to begin drawing and writing their own monsters.”

A Ripple Effect of Engagement

“I was most proud of the way this project united our school community around reading. Students showed genuine excitement leading up to and following the author visit, and many expressed increased interest in checking out books and talking about authors and illustrators,” Pulley explained. 

“Students who are typically reluctant readers became excited about the author visit, asked thoughtful questions, and showed increased interest in the author’s books afterward. This enthusiasm extended beyond the library, sparking conversations about books in classrooms, hallways, and at home.” 

Greenbriar’s library is becoming a place where students don’t just learn to read, they choose to read. And that choice is powerful.

________

Looking for ways you can support Washington Township Schools? Donate today and help our foundation support programs to enhance the educational experience for our students and provide resources for MSDWT teachers and staff.