Member-Supported Classroom Library

Children in classrooms with libraries read more, express better attitudes toward reading, and make greater gains in reading comprehension than children who do not have such ready access to books.

                                      -Becoming a Nation of Readers

One way to encourage and assist students to become better readers is to allow them to select their own material.  At Mesa Verde, we support student-selected reading by sponsoring time to read on a regular and consistent basis.

Experience demonstrates that easy access to appealing books promotes the habit of reading.  Often times, students who claim they dislike reading simply haven’t found a type of book or genre that interests them.   We support student reading by providing a classroom membership library.  Funds to support this library do not come from the district but from the teacher, students, and parents. 

A membership library provides us the ability to continually add new titles to the collection so that students have a chance to read many best sellers.  It also provides for the replacement of 40-50 books that are worn out each year.  Membership privileges allow students to check out up to two books at a time for a two-week period.  Additionally, members are encouraged to suggest titles of books to be purchased and added to our literary collection.  Many of the books in the Kangas/Milling library were purchased at the recommendation of former students.  This ensures that there is something for all types of readers in our classroom. Students can become a member of the classroom library through a one-time donation of $8 (cash or check payable to MVMS).

This membership library is optional, but highly encouraged.  Remember, a silent reading book is a required supply that students are expected to have at all times.  We hope you decide to become a member of our library so that you’ll never have to say, “I don’t have a book with me today.”