Librarian, Debbie Seidel along with Reading Teacher, Donna Mecca created the “My Own Library” initiative at Armstrong in the spring of 2019. They want all Armstrong ES students to have access to a diverse home library with books to call their own. About twice a month, over 60 participating students get to select a gently used book of their choosing to keep. 

The My Own Library initiative began by collecting donations of gently used books and then received a $1,000 grant from Book Worm Central to continue their efforts.Thanks to the money donated by the graduating 6th grade class of 2019, the M.O.L. initiative was able to team up with Eagle Scout Gabe Dodson, to give students a place to keep their book collection so they made wooden book crates. Students got to assemble and paint their crates with the help of Gabe and Armstrong Art Teachers, Nancy Bently and Paul McClemens. 

The initiative is off to a great start! Mrs. Seidel and Mrs. Mecca are already seeing a huge difference in the students who are benefiting from this program. Students are excited to read, are exploring new genres, and are eager to share their new books with their families. My Own Library has been such a success that in order for this wonderful program to continue they are in need of more gently used/like new books, monetary donations, and volunteers. Please reach out to Donna Mecca and Debbie Seidel directly if you are able to contribute in any way!