Students Love Their New Classroom Library

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your generous support of our classroom library at Ruby Bridges Elementary School. Thanks to your grant, my third-grade students are now enjoying a welcoming, well-stocked, and engaging library space that has quickly become the heart of our classroom.

The new library rug and comfortable seating have transformed our reading area into a cozy, inviting environment where students are excited to gather, read independently, and share books with one another. Many students now choose to read during free moments, something that was far less common before. The space encourages calm focus and sustained reading, helping students build both stamina and confidence as readers.

The addition of high-interest book series such as Wings of Fire, Amulet, Click, and Kirby Manga Mania has had an immediate and noticeable impact. Students who were previously reluctant readers are eagerly checking out books, discussing characters and plot lines, and recommending titles to their classmates. Having access to books at a variety of reading levels has allowed every student to find texts that feel both accessible and exciting, reinforcing the critical shift in third grade from learning to read to reading to learn.

Perhaps most importantly, this library has fostered a sense of ownership and pride among students. They see the library as their space—a place where reading is joyful, meaningful, and valued. Your investment is not only supporting literacy development but also helping to build lifelong readers who feel confident exploring new ideas and perspectives.

Thank you for believing in our students and for supporting literacy at Ruby Bridges Elementary. Your generosity is making a lasting difference in our classroom, and I am deeply grateful for your partnership. I have included a photo of some of our students enjoying their new space!

Ms. Spellwoman
3rd Grade Teacher
Ruby Bridges Elementary School
Alameda, California