What Our Community Needs
by Paty Baum, Director, Biblioteca Elena Poniatowska
May 12, 2022, Photo info:
Social Worker, Josy Jai Salgado Estrada, and Profrs from the Telesecundaria de Pescadero, Luis, Fernando, Julio César y Luis Jose, holds books from the library's pilot YA book program.
I recently toured the middle schools, high schools, and public libraries in Todos Santos and Pescadero. I spoke with teachers, counselors, administrators and staff about access to Young Adult fiction books. I found none in Spanish for students in Pescadero and very limited access in Todos Santos.
During COVID-19, the switch to online learning impacted many students who lacked reliable internet connections. Many high-achieving students dropped 1-2 grade points due to a disparity in access and to age-appropriate literature, like Young Adult books.
With kids finally back to in-person learning, we have an opportunity to stimulate their minds without screens and through books.
So, what is the plan and how can you help?
As part of the Elena Poniatowska bilingual library’s one- and five-year plans, we are initiating a pilot program in the Pescadero Telesecundaria.
We began with the distribution of sets of Young Adult books including Harry Potter and the Percy Jacson series. Other series will follow.
Teachers may include book reports and read-alouds into their curriculum. Both methods are not commonly used in Mexico, meaning many students lack skills and reading comprehension practice.
As the 2022 year concludes, the pilot program will be evaluated and adjusted so it may continue into the future. We will need an even wider variety of books targeting young Adult Readers. Expanding the program into the Todos Santos Secundaria is also in the works for the 2022-2023 school year.
BEP hours M,W, F, 10:00 -1:00
will continue through summer.
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