Elementary librarians showcase student reading gains; student describes how library helped her learn English

Silke Reyna, Kimber Valley librarian, opened the presentation by introducing third-grade student Mia Panda Diaz and describing Mia’s arrival from Peru and early struggles with English. Reyna said the library became “a space for growth, courage, and belonging” as Mia began exploring English books and building confidence.

Mia told the board, “The first time that I came to the library, I was so excited because I saw a lot of books to read. The library make me feel happy because I've got lots of books.” Reyna and other librarians described how repeated library visits and age-appropriate reading material supported Mia’s language development.

An unnamed JR Smith librarian introduced fourth-grader Anna Nava and said Anna’s benchmark reading scores improved ‘‘about 22%’’ from earlier measurements; the librarian noted Anna’s enjoyment of Spanish-language graphic novels that combined pictures and words. A Midway Elementary librarian recounted Eli Hatch’s shift from a reluctant reader to a student who participated in a ‘battle of the books.’

A district librarian summarized the collective work: across five elementary schools librarians provide regular instruction (described in the presentation as roughly 24–30 lessons) and targeted supports that help students connect classroom learning with reading for pleasure. Board members thanked the students, families and librarians for the presentations and emphasized the role of school libraries in supporting lifelong reading habits.

The presentation was informational; the board did not take formal action on library programs that night. Several trustees said they were impressed by the students’ work and by the librarians’ efforts, and encouraged continued sharing of student success stories at future meetings.