It used to be that reading was just something students were expected to do on their own, but now Edison is attempting to encourage more students to read through its Edison Reads initiative.
Edison Reads is an event designed to encourage students to read more by sharing their reading experiences with one another through displays, posts, and sweepstakes.
Students who participate go to the library’s website and enter raffles for prizes such as Dunkin’ Donuts and Barnes & Noble gift cards. These prizes help motivate students who wouldn’t normally read independently.
“The goal is to really share what students are reading with each other, and to celebrate the culture of reading at Edison, especially independent reading for people’s own pleasure,” said Edison librarian Mr. Veyvoda.
According to Mr. Veyvoda, Edison Reads has encouraged students to read and borrow books. “Students are encouraged by what other students are reading,” he said. “Sometimes students are encouraged by their teachers to read as part of Edison Reads. Sometimes students are encouraged by the prizes that are given out at the end.”
Throughout the hallways, teachers and staff display what they are reading, allowing students and teachers to share and discover what others are currently reading. Edison Reads aims to promote reading to everyone at Edison.
These displays show an important factor of Edison Reads. “It’s also showing that it’s not just something that kids have to do in school,” Mr. Veyvoda said, “Adults read as part of their interests in the world.”
“Before Edison Reads, I almost never read books outside of class unless I had to for homework,” said Dylan Velazquez. “Rewards motivate me the most because they give me a reason to borrow.”
“The main goal of Edison Reads is to foster a love of reading and for students to continue reading on their own after high school,” Ms. Psaltos stated.
The program has grown significantly over the past four years and has changed the atmosphere around reading in the school.
“I’ve seen a seismic shift in students’ attitudes towards reading,” she said. “When we began, we would bring the cafe cart to the cafeteria for students to choose books. It was a joke. It was like I was pushing around a cart of cooties. I would hear, ‘I don’t read.’ Boys would push each other in the cart to tease each other.” She added, “Very few students showed genuine interest.”
“This year, students are flocking to the cart in the cafeteria,” Ms. Psaltos said. “Can I change my book? Can I renew my book? Can I return my book?”
She stated that reading habits have shifted across the school because, “Reading has become the norm, and it’s an activity students enjoy and are proud of.”
Numbers support the idea of Edison reading more. Last year, students borrowed 6,892 books, but that number was surpassed by February with 7,204 books. As of May 19, Edison has reached 9,569 books borrowed and is approaching the goal of 10,000. (Statistics were found on the Edison Library News Page.
As Edison gets closer to 10,000 books borrowed, it also shows how reading is a core value at Edison.
“The goal is to really share what students are reading with each other, and to celebrate the culture of reading at Edison, especially independent reading for people’s own pleasure,” Mr. Veyvoda said.
