Camden Elementary School launches reading initiative

Camden Elementary School is improving the local community one book at a time.

“Books can build healthier communities. Reading strengthens vocabulary, sharpens memory, reduces stress, and improves brain health,” said Tosha Nowell, media specialist at the school, who has spearheaded a creative initiative to increase student reading at home.

Pre-Kindergarten students at Camden Elementary now bring home literacy backpacks, full of books, puzzles, puppets and activities designed to promote foundational skills. Students keep the backpacks for the entire week.

“These backpacks are designed to be educational and fun ways for families to share learning experiences and literacy at home,” Nowell said. “Our efforts are designed to help students excel academically by giving them every opportunity to read, learn and grow.”

Those efforts extend beyond the school library with the creation of a new outdoor lending library near the front entrance to the school. Community members are invited to browse the books, borrow and return after reading, all easy and convenient in the little free library.

Dr. Fannie D. Green, CES principal, said she hopes the library will encourage lifelong learning and reading among parents, students and the broader Camden community.

“It is designed for anyone to come grab a book to read or to share,” Nowell said. “It is a totally free resource to the public, and we hope it will reinforce the joy of reading in our community.”