Invasion of the book snatchers! Reagan Elementary students stand in front of boxes of books headed to the library. Back row (L to R): SBA Members Joslyn Hillberg, Grace Zeluff, and Jared Bertoni, followed by Reagan Librarian Kyla Rose and Miramonte Librarian Sue Hamilton.
Facilities Manager Rick Rodriguez found his truck swamped by students as he delivers the books.
Shelves at Reagan Elementary sport lots of room for the new additions.
Facilities Manager Rick Rodriguez gives a little peek at the pile of boxes.
SJCL O’Neill Book Drive is a Record-Breaker!
“Miss Rose, I get to read this one first!” The chorus of kids and chaos enveloped the arrival of a truck on campus filled with books donated to the Elizabeth O’Neill Memorial Drive on March 20th. The books will be split between Miramonte and Reagan Elementary, two Title I schools in Clovis Unified.
The 1,133 represent both a boon to the two libraries and a record-breaking number for the eleven-year-old O’Neill Drive, which has now contributed well over 5,000 books to Clovis Unified Title I school libraries.
The San Joaquin College of Law Student Bar Association spearheaded this year’s drive, which may account for the record-breaking book haul. Who helped? Law School faculty, staff, students, alumni, attorneys throughout the community, friends of students, friends of alumni, friends of friends and more. Fig Garden Friends of the Library also contributed to this year’s success.
Miramonte Librarian Sue Hamilton expressed joy over the “huge, wonderful variety” filling 31 boxes, adding “This is a librarian’s dream; our kids love new books!”
Meanwhile, Reagan Elementary Librarian Kyla Rose says kids nowadays do like high tech things, but they also love “the feel of a book in their hands.”
The Drive commemorates a woman whose concern for children is a lasting legacy for the Valley. Elizabeth O’Neill’s life was at first focused on raising five children before completing her law degree from Boalt Hall in 1969, but her concern for children never ended. She became a nationally recognized expert in family law including child custody, visitation, and child abuse. She was one of the founders of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Fresno County and the Fresno Council on Child Abuse Prevention.
Miramonte’s librarian may have summed up the schools’ gratitude best. Sue Hamilton says “We feel very blessed.”