The Hockinson School District Book Swap has been a cherished annual tradition in our community for over a decade. Students and their families spent the evening of May 6 at Hockinson Heights Elementary School trading in their Book Bucks for preloved literature. The book exchange saw students from all three Hockinson schools, Country Friends Preschool, and members from the greater Hockinson Community.
This year, HSD families and community members donated 5,629 books to the Book Swap. Volunteers worked tirelessly in the three weeks leading up to the event by collecting, counting, and sorting book donations from classrooms. Their hard work ensured the HSD Book Swap offered a wide variety of literature ready to find new homes with excited readers.
After HSD Book Swap participants used their Book Bucks, earned through donating a book of their own, to pick out their new reads, the remaining books were sold for $0.50 during the last hour of the event. Leftover books from the swap have been donated to the school library and teachers for classroom use. All remaining books were donated to local charities.
“I simply love hearing the excitement from students when I go into classrooms to set out book collection baskets,” PWT volunteer Jamie Hebert said. “In a time where screens are so immediate, books remain a key component of childhood.”
Literacy is a key focus within Hockinson schools, especially at Hockinson Heights Elementary School. Studies show that early literacy skills are an important predictor of future academic success. Hockinson School District extends our heartfelt gratitude to all the generous volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to make the HSD Book Swap possible and extends a big ‘thank you’ to Hockinson Parents Working Together (PWT) for organizing this event. Their dedication to promoting a love of reading amongst our students is truly inspiring.