Cocky’s Reading Express debuts “Little Free Library” at local elementary school

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Most of us can recall the excitement of visiting our elementary school’s library and checking out a book to read. But what if students got to keep some of those books for free?

That’s just what’s happening through a new program at Edward E. Taylor Elementary School in Richland School District One.

Many students across the state have become familiar with a visit from Cocky’s Reading Express — a program out of the University of South Carolina that motivates kids to read through energetic story times and a chance to see USC’s mascot Cocky.

And now through its new Adopt-a-School program, Cocky’s Reading Express is unveiling a new “Little Free Library” within the school’s existing library — providing kids with chances to choose books throughout the year and keep them as their own.

Starting with one free book during Wednesday’s visit.

Margaret Cook is the Coordinator for Cocky’s Reading Express.

“So the goal behind Adopt-a-School is to partner businesses, student organizations, or any community member with a Title One School located in a book desert. And what we do is we embark on a year of literacy service,” says Cook.

Adopters make the promise to stock the Little Free Library over the course of the year – providing nearly 400 free books to young readers.

Edward E. Taylor’s Principal Tiffany Brooks says she’s thankful the School of Information Science at USC chose to adopt their school and help them encourage literacy as the critical foundation for learning throughout the year.

“It increases student engagement and again the enthusiasm from the presenters of the program helps to ignite that promotion of literacy through learning. You see the interaction and the enthusiasm of our students, so that just spreads back into the classroom and certainly at home when kids go home to talk about their day at school,” says Brooks.

And Cook enjoys providing that enthusiasm, saying, “I have the most fun job on the planet. Because I get to see kids get excited about reading. I get to have fun with them. I get to channel my inner child, and I get to see the places that they will go. You see the things that will spark their imagination, and of course, I get to give them a gift. I get to give them a book that gets them most excited.”

Cook says Cocky’s Reading Express is looking for more adopters and volunteers. To adopt a school or volunteer for Cocky’s Reading Express, reach out to Margaret Cook at cookmh@email.sc.edu or call 803-777-2169.