The Socorro American Federation of Teachers (Socorro AFT), in partnership with the Socorro Independent School District, distributed 40,000 free books to students, teachers, their families, and community members at the district’s Technology Services Center on May 11 to help children discover the joy of reading.
Socorro ISD was one of five nationwide sites sponsored by AFT and First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise. Their goal was to distribute 150,000 free books in a single day and to achieve the significant milestone of giving away 10 million books over the past 13 years. Similar celebrations also took place in Ohio, Illinois, New York and Florida.
“The books are multicultural, bilingual, multilingual, diverse, and they’re books for children and parents to read together,” said Evelyn de Jesus, AFT executive vice president. “Kids love to read. We want to get them off their iPads and stuff and go into a world of adventure, of imagination, and that the books look like them.”
Droves of families gathered at the TSC on Saturday morning, patiently waiting their turn to enter the building to select their books. Families could take up to 20 books, and teachers and school staff were allowed to choose up to 30 free books for their classrooms.
Meanwhile, children enjoyed fun activities outside, including games, jumping ballons, performances by Pebble Hills High School cheerleaders and marching band, and more.
Horizon Heights Elementary fourth-grader Olivia Gonzalez walked out with 15 books, including journals, anime, graphic novels and titles from the “Gravity Falls” series.
Gonzalez said she preferred to read books than sit around scrolling through her phone because reading inspired her imagination.
“If you don't continue reading, your brain will all get mushy,” Gonzalez said.
Veronica Hernandez, president of the Socorro AFT, said the event ensured families had access to books, especially in their homes where young children start to learn.
“The kids are treasures,” Hernandez said. “They're our future. What better way to start early with a gift of reading.”
Carlos Fierro, who works in SISD’s mechanical department, selected about 20 books for his son’s library at home. His son, a kindergartener at Robert R. Rojas Elementary, was learning to read and getting better every day. Fierro said reading also helped his son’s communication skills.
“Lately we started telling our son that if he wants to use an electronic (device), he needs to learn how to read more fluently and more frequently, so we've been encouraging him (to read) that way.”
Socorro ISD joins AFT in giving away 40,000 books event photos