Not every school has two libraries, but thanks to a local Boy Scout, Martin Avenue Elementary School in the North Bellmore School District has this rare distinction.
Chris Dubon, a 2016 graduate of Martin Avenue, created a little lending library and reading patio in front of the school as his Eagle Scout community service project. The new space was formally dedicated on May 12. He cut the ribbon along with Superintendent Marie Testa and Principal James O’Brien during an afternoon ceremony, with kindergartners, first graders and several teachers in attendance.
“I wanted to give back to the community that created such a great home and family for me for so many years,” Chris said.
His journey began more than two years ago, working with then-Principal Leyna Malone on the concept, and then getting approval from the North Bellmore Board of Education. After delays due to the pandemic, he worked throughout the school year to create the reading area, which includes a walkway, patio, benches and little library.
Students, parents and community members can take a book home to read, or put in a book they are done with for someone else. Teachers can even bring their classes outside and grab a book for a read aloud.
“A love of reading is something we all share here at Martin Avenue,” Mr. O’Brien said, adding that the school’s youngest readers were invited the ceremony to see a reading role model from their community.
Chris raised money for supplies through fundraisers and built the little library and reading area with help from volunteers, including fellow scouts, friends and families. Even some Martin Avenue scouts contributed to the effort, with girls from the local Daisy troop planting flowers along the walkway.
Superintendent Marie Testa, former principal of Martin Avenue when Chris was a student, thanked him for this gift, as North Bellmore is a community of passionate readers.
Several books were added to the library. Ms. Testa placed a copy of “All Are Welcome,” the first grade classes added “The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear” and “Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Monkey House,” and Chris contributed a copy of “If Your Give a Mouse a Cookie,” which he read to youngsters before placing it inside of the little library.
Date Added: 5/19/2022