The White County School District book bus program has distributed more than 5,000 books to local children over the last three years to encourage a love for reading.
Supervisor of Supported Learning Farrah Griffith said the mobile initiative is officially named “Bob the Book Bus” for Books on Board. Griffith said the project utilizes a repurposed school bus to bring gently used books directly to children at community events, schools and after-school programs.
“Getting books in the hand of children is always good, the more you read the more you know as the saying goes,” Griffith said. “You know, getting kids excited about books, getting to come on board. Little kids just like being in the book bus, it’s fun. There’s a lot to look at, we try to keep it pleasing for the eyes and fun, but for them to have a chance to come on and actually pick out something that they would like to take home and just enjoy being in Bob for a little while.”
Griffith said the program relies on a combination of community donations and district support to remain operational. Griffith said the White County School District covers the costs for gas and maintenance while grant funding from the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation handles incidental expenses.
“For White County to be small and for us to be new in the book bus world, I think we’re really serving the community well and I’m really happy with the progress we’ve made thus far,” Griffith said. “And different districts use them differently. Some, you know, do STEM along with books, some do feeding along with books, so, you know, every different community has different needs and they kind of tailor the use of their bus.”
Griffith said the vision for the bus originated five years ago with her predecessor, Dr. Valerie Butcher, who secured the initial grant. Griffith said the bus has served approximately 1,950 students during the current school year alone.
“As a former school principal, working at the central office you know you’re not in touch with kids as often as you were before,” Griffith said. “So being out in the community and being in contact with kids is very much a bucket filler for me. So getting to serve kids and see kids and watch the joy of reading in kids is all the motivation you need, really.”
Griffith said the program primarily focuses on children from preschool through fifth grade, though books are available for all ages from toddlers to high schoolers. Griffith said the bus is unique because it allows children to physically board the vehicle to browse the shelves rather than just serving as a backdrop for distribution.
“Two summers ago, the cafeteria used Bob to serve food out of during the summer,” Griffith said. “Bob has pitched in to do some additional things. So anytime we have an opportunity to get him out in the community, we’re still growing the word.”
Griffith said the vehicle will also visit various summer reading program dates in June and July held at the Methodist church.
Griffith said community members can drop off donations at the Board of Education office to help restock the bus for future events.
“If anyone has gently used books that they’d like to donate to Bob, just let me know,” Griffith said. “Drop them by the White County Board of Education or if you’ll call me we’ll even come and pick them up.”