We’re excited to share that our crowded storage room has been transformed into a bright and welcoming Learning Lab for students from local underserved communities who visit the Book Exchange. Freshly painted walls, a vibrant mural, and brand-new children’s tables and chairs make the room feel both fun and inspiring. A large screen now anchors the space for interactive lessons like “Reading is Your Superpower” that bring books to life. Designed with students in mind, the remodel transforms the room into a colorful, engaging space where curiosity flourishes, imagination is sparked, and reading becomes an adventure. See below for before and after pictures and more on the program and the donor who made it all possible!
This fall, we launched a new program for the local students who visit the Book Exchange on field trips! Before choosing 10 free books, students enjoy a short, inspiring video called “Reading Is Your Superpower” in our newly redesigned “Learning Lab.” The video highlights the amazing variety of books available—mysteries, adventures, graphic novels, biographies, fantasies, and more—reminding students that there’s a book for every interest. It also challenges students to step outside their comfort zone and try something new.
After the video, the fun continues with an interactive game where students practice identifying different types of books and discover fresh genres they might not have considered before. The goal? To spark curiosity, build confidence in choosing books, and show that reading really can unlock new worlds.
The Mural
To help students understand the difference between fiction and nonfiction while expanding their reading interests, we commissioned a stunning mural for our new Learning Lab. The artwork was designed and painted by talented local artist and muralist Andrea Flores (website: Nenasdiary.bigcartel.com) and beautifully complements our new instructional video on the topic.
