It is no secret that the interest in books has declined recently. What we bookworms enjoy, others see as a chore. In fact, According to the NEA’s 2022 Survey of Public Participation in the Arts (SPPA), conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, 48.5% of adults reported reading at least one book in the past year. This marks a decline from 52.7% five years ago and 54.6% a decade ago. This, added to the fact that many schools are underfunded and can’t afford a library within their premises, only shows how the interest in literature will continue declining.
However, amidst these disheartening circumstances, we still have those who are willing to preserve the magic of books and impart it to others. Such was the case for the students of Kensington Health Sciences Academy.
When a group of high school students was challenged to make something that would positively impact their community, they pondered over multiple possibilities and ended up on one that fit them perfectly.
From Empty Room To Reading Haven
“We all grew up without a library,” said Akeem Mack, a senior at KHSA “That had an effect on a lot of kids. Teachers assigned a book, and people wouldn’t read it, because people didn’t like to read.”
He is not far from the truth as most students nowadays see reading as a chore assigned at school more than something they can find enjoyable. So, what could be a better motivator than giving students access to books they would actually like to read and encourage them to find more? From this idea, Dreamscape was born.
“Kids will not read books they don’t want to read just to appease a teacher,” said Ethan Feuer, a teacher advisor at KHSA. “We want them to love reading, and to do that requires a book they actually want to read.”
Along with Elena Marcovici, both teacher advisors encouraged the students to look for books that would be of interest to the student body by using any resources available, such as the teacher’s classroom book collections and gathering books from areas where they are given for free. Starting the library was not an easy feat. With $1000 from the Philly Service Award, which works in conjunction with the Herb It Forward Foundation and Drexel University, and determination, the student needed to sell reading to their peers as well as encourage them to check out books and come back for new ones.
The project crew promoted their library whenever possible, like school assemblies, hallways, and social media. Finally, in February 2024, the library had a grand opening with food and drinks to encourage students to attend.
“People use books to escape reality, to live lives that are inaccessible to them,” said Grigger, a senior. “That’s how most of us describe reading books, what we use books for.”
He makes a valid point. A survey of readers — those who engage with at least one book per year — reveals diverse motivations behind their reading habits. Entertainment and leisure top the list, with 50.10% of readers citing it as the most important reason and an impressive 82.90% including it among their reasons for reading. Self-improvement is a key factor for 25.00% of readers, with 41.40% identifying it as one of their motivations.
Additionally, 12.80% of readers engage with books primarily to buy gifts for friends, family, and colleagues, while 21.20% include gift-giving as a reason for their interest in books. Education and work drive 11.10% of readers to pick up a book, and 18.40% consider these factors among their reasons for engaging with literature.
DreamEscape eventually won a $20,000 prize from the Philly Service Award to expand the library. The students were able to purchase certain commodities for the library, such as bean bags, couches, and sturdy wooden bookshelves. They also moved to a multipurpose room used as a special education office.
The library is open three days a week, from 2:30 to 3:30 PM, and the students serve as librarians, rotating shifts and assigning each other tasks. Even the principal, Nimet Eren, drops by from time to time to see the students enjoying their space. She claims she always wanted a library but didn’t have the funds or personnel to run
Jean Darnell, the district’s new director of library sciences, emphasizes the transformative power of reading and access to books.
“There’s no better way to foster student growth than by ensuring their intellectual freedom is supported through meaningful engagement with literature,” Darnell shared.
Her vision for a library in every district school underlines the importance of providing students with opportunities to explore new perspectives, expand their knowledge, and find joy in reading.
Jean Darnell, the district’s new director of library sciences, emphasizes the transformative power of reading and access to books. “There’s no better way to foster student growth than by ensuring their intellectual freedom is supported through meaningful engagement with literature,” Darnell shared. Her vision for a library in every district school underlines the importance of providing students with opportunities to explore new perspectives, expand their knowledge, and find joy in reading.
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