Music Festival Donates Books to Amarillo School Children

Posted Date: 06/02/2020

April 7, 2014 – More than 2,700 books were donated to Amarillo ISD students recently after organizers of a downtown music festival chose to collect books in exchange for admittance. The books will be distributed to students this spring.

“We were excited to work with AISD because we knew they would be able to locate the children where these books could be given, taken home, and dreams created,” Dr. Jack Mustard, music festival organizer said.

Librarians sorted these gently used donated books by reading level to ensure students will receive a book they can practice their reading skills with. Elementary students at many of the AISD campuses will receive one of these books to keep for themselves.

“Research shows children who have easy access to as much good reading material as possible at home, will become better readers and perform better academically,” Lorraine Mettham, director of library services said. “When children read at home, it reinforces the concept that reading is a life-long skill. Reading with family members creates a culture of literacy which benefits everyone.”

Participants of the book drive and attendees of the music festival gathered books for six weeks before the event. More than 500 of the books were donated prior to the event at Mustard Wellness Center.

“I can see a long-term partnership with the musicians, bands and artists in Amarillo to continue supporting the needs of the community and children,” Mustard said. “I believe this is just the start of local events which will offer support to those in need.”